By By ROBBIE BYRD
News Editor
A high speed chase Monday led officers on a two state car pursuit and foot chase that ended in the apprehension of two females in Escambia County, Fla.
Annie D. Frye, 31, and Geraldine Johnson, 41, both of Atmore, were arrested Monday by the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff's office for possession of narcotics and attempting to utilize stolen credit cards.
The pursuit started after the suspects attempted to use a stolen credit card at Danny's Citgo on S. Main Street at approximately 8:23 a.m. Officers had alerted local store owners that a suspect or suspects had possession of seven stolen credit cards.
Store owner Danny Flowers alerted police Monday morning when the women attempted to use one of the stolen cards. As officers arrived at the station Flowers stood in front of the White 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis the women were driving to prevent them from leaving the scene, however side-stepped out of the car's way as it spun off at high speeds.
Officer Jason Dean with the APD followed the car onto Hwy. 21 from the store parking lot, which quickly turned into Hwy. 97 as the chase crossed the state border. Dean called for assistance from the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office.
The car attempted to turn onto Pelt Road, but spun out. The driver was able to regain control of the car, and the pursuit continued on Hwy. 97. The passenger side back tire soon came off the rim and the car continued at a slower rate of speed.
The suspects made several turns in an attempt to allude Officer Dean but soon stopped the vehicle in the road. The driver fled the vehicle into a residential area and attempted to outrun Dean. After a short foot chase she was apprehended.
Dean had both suspects in custody by the time backup arrived.
Upon searching the vehicle officers found narcotics in the vehicle along with the stolen cards and numerous grocery items in the trunk they believe were purchased with the cards.
"There were a good number of cards in possession of both suspects," said Acting Atmore Police Chief Bruce Lovette. "(Officers) found groceries, cigarettes, just about anything they could think to buy (at the convenience stores) in the trunk."
The women are being held at the Escambia County (Fla.) Jail waiting extradition to the Atmore City Jail. Once there, they will be transported to the Escambia County (Ala.) Jail awaiting arraignment.