Wanted shoplifters with 13 warrants found in hole in woods by FWPD
Nov 22, 2024
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- What started as officers responding to calls of stolen items at an area Target ended in a search through the woods and two arrested Thursday evening.
According to a press release from the Fort Wayne Police Department, officers responded to the Target off S. Thomas Road after receiving reports from workers that individuals had left the store with stolen goods. When officers arrived they saw a vehicle being driven away by individuals that matched the description provided by workers.
FWPD officers attempted to do a traffic stop but it failed and resulted in a high-speed chase that lasted 10 minutes. The pursuit was eventually ended because of high speeds and weather conditions.
Later on, officers spotted the vehicle near the intersection of Felger Road and US 33. The vehicle was empty, but footprints were seen heading from the vehicle to nearby woods.
Officers with the FWPD, Allen County Police Department (ACPD), and Indiana State Police (ISP) entered the woods, searching for the subjects. They later found 34-year-old Sarah Harris and 32-year-old Jeremy Hollis, hiding underneath brush in a hole. Harris appeared disoriented saying she ingested an "unknown drug." Hollis informed officers that Harris suffered from seizures, and due to the underlying condition, weather and the terrain of the woods being snow-covered swamp, officers had to deliver life-saving measures to Harris. Both Hollis and Harris were also dressed improperly for the weather.
It took officers 30 minutes to locate the two, and around 50 minutes to exit woods as medics quickly attempted to help Harris.
Hollis was taken to the Fort Wayne Police Department for questioning while Harris was taken to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Harris was medically released Friday and taken to the Allen County Jail.
Sarah Harris faces preliminary charges of;
One count of level 5 Felony Corrupt Business Influence
Two counts of Level 6 Felony Theft
Three counts of Level 6 Felony Organized Retail Theft
One count of Level 6 Felony Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing Vehicle)
One count of C. Misdemeanor Reckless Driving (High Speed)
One count of B. Misdemeanor Leaving the scene of an accident (Property Damage)
Jeremy Hollis faces preliminary charges of;
One count of level 5 Felony Corrupt Business Influence
Three counts of Level 6 Felony Theft
Three counts of Level 6 Felony Organized Retail Theft
Sarah Harris also faces 11 outstanding warrants for her arrest, eight being from Minnesota, two from Ohio and one out of Wisconsin. Hollis had two outstanding warrants both from Ohio. According to the release from FWPD, it is unknown if the warrants are extraditable.
The incident continues to be under investigation.