On April 29, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) issued a press release pertaining to a pursuit in which deputies were involved in on I-75 north. The vehicle involved in the pursuit was wanted in connection to a prior pursuit with Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

The occupants were identified as Samaiyah Ray (Driver), Angelique Grant (Front Passenger), and Miyoshi Flowers (Rear Passenger), all from Ohio. At the time of the incident, only Ray and Grant were arrested.

During the aforementioned stop, deputies observed several large bags of merchandise with sale tags and anti-theft devices attached inside the vehicle to which occupants were not able to provide proof of purchase. Due to the occupant’s inability to prove the purchase of the items and the likelihood that the items had been stolen, the merchandise was secured inside of the vehicle.

On April 29, HCSO detectives in Investigative Services’ Property Crimes Unit were assigned to the case to determine if the merchandise inside the vehicle was stolen.

On May 2, the lead investigating detective working with the Regional Security Manager for Kohls Department Store was able to determine many of the items were stolen from three stores, two in Hamilton County and one in Douglasville, Georgia. In total, approximately $6,000 worth of items were stolen from stores in Hamilton County and approximately $9,000 worth of items were stolen from the Douglasville, Georgia, store.

“Whether in this county or traveling through, the HCSO will not tolerate individuals who commit crimes and flee from law enforcement,” Sheriff Austin Garrett said. “I am proud of the never-ceasing efforts and commitment of our deputies and detectives in the detection and prevention of crime. The HCSO is committed to leading the way in assisting our law enforcement partners in the apprehension of criminals across Hamilton County or across state lines.”

Ray and Grant have been charged with the following: Theft of Property (Over $2,500), Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Criminal Conspiracy.

Warrants have been taken out for the arrest of Miyoshi Flowers for the following charges: Theft of Property (Over $2,500), Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Criminal Conspiracy.

Additional meetings have taken place with other store representatives and approximately $1,300 worth of merchandise was found to have been stolen from a Target store. Additional items totaling approximately $300 were found to have also been stolen from the Burlington Store located in Chattanooga on Highway 153.

In relation to the thefts from Target and Burlington stores, all three individuals (Ray, Grant & Flowers) will be charged with the following: Theft of Property (over $1000), Burglary, Theft of Property (under $1000). 

As the investigation continues, additional charges may be pending.

To date, the total recovered amount of merchandise for all locations has totaled approximately $16,700.