Suspects Identified, Charges Announced After Walgreens Robbery, I-5 Pursuit
MPD identifies the pair arrested after Tuesday’s chase and says ALPR technology assisted the investigation.
AT A GLANCE
Robbery: Police say two people were involved in an Aug. 30 armed robbery at Walgreens on West Main Street.
Pursuit: The suspected vehicle was located Sept. 1 near Sage Road and Highway 238 before fleeing north onto I-5.
Arrests: Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, were taken into custody after spike strips stopped the SUV near milepost 54.
Charges: Paul faces first-degree robbery, kidnapping, weapons, eluding, reckless driving, and theft charges. Katcheech faces probation, driving while suspended, and theft charges.
Investigation: MPD says Automated License Plate Reader technology was used during the case, which has now been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
MEDFORD, Ore. — Medford Police have identified the two people arrested after an armed robbery investigation turned into a pursuit north on Interstate 5 Tuesday.
Sharlene Elizabeth Paul, 49, and Cody Katcheech, 36, were lodged in the Jackson County Jail following the chase, which ended near Grants Pass after officers successfully deployed spike strips near milepost 54.
The pursuit was the latest development in an investigation that began Saturday night at the Walgreens on West Main Street.
Police say employees confronted a man and woman who were attempting to leave the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise. During the confrontation, the woman allegedly pulled a handgun, pointed it at an employee, and threatened to shoot.
The pair left in a white midsize SUV before officers arrived.
Investigators later obtained security footage of the suspects and vehicle. Medford Police said Wednesday that Automated License Plate Reader technology was also successfully used during the investigation.
Cover Photo / Pursuit Ends: Law enforcement officers converge on the suspect vehicle along Interstate 5 near Grants Pass after spike strips brought Tuesday’s pursuit to an end and both occupants were taken into custody. Medford Police Department.
Pursuit ends near Grants Pass
An officer located the suspected SUV near Sage Road and Highway 238 around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Police say the driver fled at high speed when officers attempted to stop the vehicle.
The pursuit eventually moved north onto Interstate 5, with Oregon State Police and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisting.
After several attempts, spike strips were successfully deployed near milepost 54. The SUV stopped, and both occupants were taken into custody.
Jefferson Daily News reported Tuesday on the pursuit and the resulting traffic backup near Grants Pass.
Charges announced
Police say Paul was lodged on charges of:
Robbery I
Unlawful Use of a Weapon x2
Kidnap I
Elude (Vehicle)
Reckless Driving
Theft II
Katcheech was lodged on charges of:
Probation Violation
Felony Driving While Suspended
Theft II
Medford Police did not provide details about what led to the first-degree kidnapping charge against Paul.
The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that no further information is expected at this time.
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