(WNY News Now) – A Jamestown man is facing multiple felony and traffic-related charges after police investigated a reported shoplifting incident that later led to a vehicle pursuit across several municipalities on Sunday.
According to the Jamestown Police Department, officers from the department’s 1st Platoon responded to a reported shoplifting complaint at Tops Market, located at 2000 Washington Street, at approximately 10:16 a.m. on May 24.
Police said store staff reported that a man allegedly stole multiple items from the business before fleeing the store on foot after being confronted by employees. Staff also informed officers that the suspect had arrived in a vehicle that remained parked at the location.
At approximately 12:18 p.m., officers observed the vehicle leaving the Tops parking lot and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Authorities said the driver failed to comply, leading officers on a vehicle pursuit through the City of Jamestown, the Town of Ellicott, and into the Town of Kiantone.
The pursuit ended without further incident, and the driver was taken into custody, according to police.
Investigators identified the suspect as Michael Lockerbie, 61, of Jamestown. Police said further investigation determined Lockerbie was the individual involved in the reported shoplifting incident and that he was allegedly operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
Photo By JPD
Lockerbie was charged with petit larceny (shoplifting), two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, driving while ability impaired by drugs, and multiple uniform traffic violations.
He was transported to the Jamestown City Jail and held pending arraignment in Jamestown City Court. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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