Alleged shoplifting turns into pursuit
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Police were dispatched to the Pendleton Walmart for a reported shoplifting Tuesday at 12:36 p.m. Dispatch was told that an unknown female was observed concealing items on her person and leaving the store without paying.
A loss-prevention employee at Walmart told officers the woman got into an older blue Honda and was leaving the area. One of the responding officers spotted a vehicle matching that description in the area of Southwest 20th Street and Southwest Frazer Avenue.
“When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated,” PPD Chief Chuck Byram wrote. “The driver of the vehicle ran several traffic control devices and accelerated up to approximately 50 mph at one point in the pursuit.”
Byram said Michelle J. Welch, 20, of Pendleton pulled over in the 400 block of Southeast 17th Street and ran from the vehicle. She was taken into custody after a brief struggle. She was lodged in Umatilla County Jail on a probable cause affidavit charging her with attempting to elude by vehicle and on foot, reckless driving, and resisting arrest.
