Alleged shoplifting leads to high-speed chase, 8 charges

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Fulton County authorities have arrested 32-year-old Ronald Lee Taylor following a report of shoplifting and a high-speed chase resulting in eight charges. Taylor’s address was not available on online records.According to the probable cause affidavit, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department received a call Dec. 13 from a Dollar General store employee reporting an unknown male, later identified as Taylor, had reportedly left the business on U.S. Highway 62\412 headed toward Salem, after stealing two cellphones from the business.

As a deputy was responding to the call, he observed a vehicle matching the one given for Taylor’s traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy reported he was unable to make contact with the vehicle due to the aggressive manner of its driver.

The vehicle turned north in Salem at the traffic signal, failing to stop for the red light or yield the right-of-way. Several vehicles and pedestrians were reportedly placed in danger due to the high rate of speed and the manner in which Taylor was driving.

As Taylor’s vehicle traveled onto East Church Street between businesses, he failed to negotiate a turn in his lane and crossed into the oncoming one.

The pursuit ended on property at the end of the road, with Taylor exiting his vehicle, placing his hands above his head and reportedly saying he was done, and he was “being stupid.”

Taylor reportedly had bloodshot eyes and told the deputy he stole the phones because he is “addicted to stealing.” He also allegedly said he had done meth earlier in the day.

A search of Taylor’s vehicle, reportedly revealed in plain view of the door a plastic container of a white crystalline substance field testing positive for methamphetamine, along with the phones in question and several items with security tags still attached.

Taylor allegedly told the officer some of the items were his, while others he had taken but wouldn’t not disclose the location.

Taylor has been charged with felony counts of fleeing in a vehicle; possession of a controlled substance, meth or cocaine; and possession of drug paraphernalia; as well as misdemeanor counts of theft of property; DWI drugs and driving on a suspended license. He also faces violations of failure to yield and failure to obey a traffic control device. His bond was set at $20,000.

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