Pedestrian struck by fleeing shoplifter

Loss prevention officers observed Yolanda Kenyada Usher, 24, of 446 Martin Luther King Avenue in Jefferson, and Bernicia Jemea Sewell, 19, of 121 Jennings Lane in Nicholson, conceal multiple items of clothing inside a bag.

As the security officers watched, the two women walked past the last point of purchase. When the officers attempted to prevent the women from leaving the store with the stolen merchandise, both women ran towards a white Ford Mustang in the parking lot.

Sewell climbed into the driver’s seat and Usher entered the passenger side of the vehicle. Sewell attempted to drive away, but was unable to operate a manual transmission and stalled the car.

Security officers immediately surrounded the Mustang. Sewell attempted to flee on foot, but was detained by a female loss prevention officer. Sewell kicked and bit the officer on the hand and on the breast causing visible injuries. Sewell escaped but was quickly captured by Barrow County Sheriff’s deputies as they arrived at the scene.

When Sewell ran from the Mustang, Usher transferred to the driver’s seat and drove away at a high rate of speed striking a man as he walked to his car. The man suffered injuries to his right knee, right hand and kidney area. He was treated at the scene and released.

A witness to the incident followed Usher. Using a cell phone, the witness provided central dispatch with ongoing updates regarding Usher’s location. Usher eventually stopped at the Chevron gas station at the intersection of Kilcrease Road and Highway 316. A deputy found Usher parked behind the gas station with the stolen merchandise still in the vehicle. Usher claimed she left the store with the merchandise after the loss prevention officers said she could leave.

Usher was charged with shoplifting, hit and run, reckless driving, no insurance, obstruction and numerous equipment violations.

Sewell is facing charges of sexual battery, battery, obstruction and shoplifting.

Both women were transported to the Barrow County Detention Center.