Marianna, Fla. (WDNews) — A man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he ran from a Walmart in Jackson County while holding a toddler during a theft investigation.
On Wednesday, May 28, around 2:30 p.m., Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Walmart in Marianna after store staff reported a suspected shoplifter had returned. The man, identified as Vernis Newton, Jr., had allegedly stolen several items the day before and was spotted again on surveillance.
When deputies approached Newton as he exited the store, he fled on foot while carrying a small child. After briefly losing sight of him, deputies located Newton nearby, still holding the toddler.
Deputies say Newton consented to a search of his vehicle, where they recovered several stolen items.
He was arrested and is now facing charges of Petit Theft, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and Child Neglect.
