Suspect tries to steal Prichard police cruiser

PRICHARD, Ala. (WALA) - Prichard police said a shoplifting suspect who tried to take off in a police cruiser is now facing more charges.

Prichard Police Chief Jimmie Gardner said they got a call from the Dollar General store on Lott Road about a possible shoplifting suspect.

"In fact, she was stealing alkaline batteries at the time," said Prichard Police Chief Jimmie Gardner, "This is another one of those precursor deals. We believe that was the motives behind her actions."

He said officers arrived on scene and determined the woman was trying to steal batteries. They placed her in handcuffs and put her in the back of a squad car.  And that's when things went awry.

"She managed to get out of her handcuffs. Better yet, she was able to bring her handcuffs underneath her body and to the front. She managed to get in front of the police car and get control of it," said Chief Gardner.

Gardner said officers chased the car, breaking windows of the cruiser. He said one officer tried to take control of the wheel, but the woman continued to try to escape narrowly hitting both officers.  That's when they were forced to open fire on the car.

"Several shots were fired into the automobile," said Chief Gardner, "There were several rounds fired into the vehicle she is blessed to be alive."

Bullet holes the size of golf balls dotted the front windshield another one went through the roof of the car.

Police said the suspect, who has been identified as Tasha Johnson, crashed into another car on Lott Road before finally losing control of the police car across the street from the Dollar General.  Officers caught her as she tried to run away.

She has been charged with first degree theft of property, two counts of third degree theft of property, second degree assault, first degree theft of property and first degree receiving stolen property.

According to the jail log, she also had warrants out for her arrest for driving while revoked, no insurance, third degree domestic violence and driving with a suspended license.

Chief Gardner said no one was injured in the incident.