Crime & Safety

Walmart Shoplifting Gives Way to Chase, Howell Police Say

Sammy Davis and Anita Benson face charges.

A shoplifting incident escalated into a police pursuit Monday, according to the Howell Township Police Department.

Sammy Davis, 49, of Neptune and Anita Benson, 49, of Asbury Park allegedly stole $500 worth of meat and seafood from Walmart. The pair then fled the store in a 2000 Toyota Corolla, which was spotted on Route 9 by officers on the scene of a construction detail Lanes Mill Road, according to the department.

Patrolman John Lopez attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Davis, who allegedly ignored the officer and cut across Route 9 into a Shell gas station. Authorities say Davis continued to drive recklessly through a strip mall.

Police terminated the pursuit, at which point the car stopped and Davis ran, according to the department. Benson was taken into custody and Davis was later located.

The pair were remanded to Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $90,000 bail. They face eluding, shoplifting and conspiracy to commit shoplifting charges.


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