By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Shoplifting suspects caught after fleeing deputies
Placeholder Image

Two people were arrested and in custody after shoplifting and a pursuit Friday evening in Rincon.

Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies received a BOLO on Friday at 7:45 p.m., for a black Chevy Impala that was the suspected vehicle in a shoplifting at Walmart. The vehicle passed an Effingham County deputy traveling at a high rate of speed down Ebenezer Road.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop or slow down.

During the pursuit, the passenger, Thomas Preston Schmidtt, began throwing items out of the window of the vehicle. The driver, Tiffany Marie Lee, refused to stop for deputies until she lost control, drove into a ditch and struck a light pole.

As deputies were approaching her vehicle, she attempted to flee again by backing up and striking the deputy's vehicle and almost striking the deputy.

A trooper with The Georgia State Patrol was nearby and assisted by deploying stop sticks at the intersection of Courthouse Road and McCall Road.

The pursuit continued until LEE finally lost control and drove into a field. Lee exited her vehicle and ran but was arrested and taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

Lee, 29,9, has been charged with reckless driving, fleeing, open container, driving while suspended, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, hit and run, obstruction, DUI and possession of drug-related items. Schmidt, 31, has been charged with obstruction and littering from a motor vehicle.

Both suspects are well know to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.