BLAINE, Minn. (August 22, 2013) — Two women have been charged with two separate counts of criminal behavior: felony theft and fleeing a police officer. They were apprehended after allegedly stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from two stores. According to the criminal complaint, Taryn Rose Tillman(top), 24, and Stephanie Lyons, 25, were caught shoplifting approximately $1,443.95 worth of merchandise from the local Kohl’s and Maurice’s Department stores.
The white Volkswagen that they were driving was recognized by a Blaine police officer traveling eastbound on Radisson Road approaching I35W. When the trooper tried to stop the vehicle, the girls increased their speed to over 100 mph, swerving in and out of traffic, and eventually exited off of the County Road I exit. This sudden detour caused one of the patrol cars to skid completely off of the exit ramp and into the ditch. A few minutes later when back-up arrived, the officers found the suspect’s crashed car on Edgewood Street. The two suspects then fled on foot. The officers were able to set up a perimeter around the area and located both female suspects, along with the stolen clothing and merchandise inside of the above-mentioned Volkswagen.
If convicted on both felony counts, the women could be facing up to eight years in prison, and be responsible for paying up to $15,000 in fines.
