Snellville police nabbed a suspected serial shoplifter earlier this week after a harrowing chase through five jurisdictions that ended when the suspect ran out of gas.
Carl Ashley Thompson, 30, of Ball Ground, was taken into custody Tuesday. He faces a slew of traffic violation charges, along with three counts of felony theft by shoplifting, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, criminal trespass and for possessing drug-related objects.
No one was injured during the chase, which began when an officer tried to stop Thompson around 3:40 a.m. for speeding – going 51 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer also noticed that the car had no license plate.
According to an incident report, the officer tried to pull Thompson over near the Waffle House at the intersection of U.S. Highway 78 and Grayson Parkway in Snellville. Thompson didn’t stop, driving his green 2009 Nissan Titan in excess of 110 mph, according to police. The chase continued for about six miles, ending when Thompson ran out of gas inside the city of Loganville. He surrendered at gunpoint.
Police said they found a pipe and a hypodermic needle in the car, which tested positive for methamphetamines.
Snellville police then identified Thompson as a suspect in a recent shoplifting incident at a local Target. He allegedly stole two large flat screen TVs from a loading dock. Police said he is a suspect in a similar theft in Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Hall and Gwinnett counties.
Thompson remains in the Gwinnett County jail without bond.
About the Author
