Laurel County, Ky. (November 19, 2019) - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's K-9 Deputy Gary Mehler arrested Brittany N. Turner age 31 of Smith Ave., Evarts, KY on Monday night November 18, 2019 approximately 11:58 PM.
The arrest occurred at Walmart near Corbin in southern Laurel County after Walmart's loss prevention team detained this subject.
When Deputy Mehler arrived at the scene and conducted an investigation he learned that allegedly this individual had attempted to leave the store without paying for $68.68 worth of merchandise.
The female subject detained provided identifying information which later proved to be false although being warned that providing false information was a crime, this individual persisted to give false information.
During the course of the investigation this subject stated that her husband was in a vehicle in an adjacent parking lot to Walmart.
Deputy Mehler proceeded to that location and found an individual in the passenger seat of that vehicle who was determined to be wanted on two outstanding warrants. In addition, he gave correct information on the female suspect.
The male suspect arrested was identified as:
Roy Scott Worthington age 39 of Evarts, KY charged on:
- 2 Harlan County District Court bench warrants regarding failure to appear in court
While conducting a follow-up investigation there, the female subject arrested for giving false information and shoplifting fled on foot and was not immediately located.
Deputy Mehler and Deputy Tommy Houston searched the area for the handcuffed female subject and left word with area businesses that if they observed the suspect to notify the Sheriff's office.
The male subject was lodged in the Laurel County correctional center.
Approximately 2 1/2 hours later, Pilot Oil service station contacted the Sheriff's office advising they thought the female escapee was at their business.
Deputies found the female subject hiding in the women's restroom still wearing handcuffs. Deputies learned that this female subject was a wanted fugitive out of Virginia and also had numerous outstanding bench warrants in Kentucky.
Brittany N. Turner was charged with:
- Theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting under $500
- Giving officer false identifying information
- Escape third-degree
In addition, this subject was charged with being a fugitive from Virginia wanted on:
- A felony – Shoplifting - Concealed goods valued at $500 or more
In addition, this subject was charged on:
- A Harlan District Court bench warrant of arrest charging theft by deception including cold checks under $500
- A Harlan District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on charges of operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license
- A Harlan District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on charges of operating on suspended or revoked operator's license and numerous other violations
- A fourth Harlan District Court bench warrant of arrest charging failure to appear in court on charges of theft by unlawful taking under $500
This individual was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Photos of both subjects arrested courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
