TROY, Ala. (WDNews) — A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of three Montgomery residents Wednesday afternoon, after Alabama State Troopers uncovered what officials say is a multi-state retail theft operation responsible for more than $100,000 in stolen merchandise.
The incident happened around 1:10 p.m. on Dec. 3, when an ALEA Trooper attempted to stop a Chevrolet Camaro traveling along U.S. Highway 231. According to ALEA, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a short pursuit through the Troy area.
The chase came to an end in a parking lot in the 1000 block of U.S. Highway 231. Investigators say the driver tried to get out of the vehicle while it was still moving, but was immediately taken into custody. He was identified as Jayden Zakhia Orum, 19, of Montgomery.
A search of the Camaro revealed stolen merchandise traced back to Walmart in Enterprise. Troopers say two passengers — Timia Lashay McCall, 24, and Brooklyn Janae Denson, 20, both of Montgomery — were also involved.
ALEA reports all three suspects are connected to a retail theft ring operating across southern Alabama and northern Florida. McCall and Denson were charged with Organized Retail Theft, while Orum faces the same charge along with Attempting to Elude. All three were booked into the Coffee County Jail.
ALEA thanked the Troy Police Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Coffee County Sheriff’s Office for assisting in the case. The investigation is ongoing.
