A Hanceville man is currently in custody, having allegedly stolen shoes from the Shoe Show on Highway 43 in Russellville early Monday morning.
Jeremy Dewayne Wilbanks, aged 38 and residing at 475 County Road 48 in Hanceville, was promptly apprehended by Russellville police following a brief pursuit. He was apprehended near the Walmart Garden Center, as reported by Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett.
According to an eyewitness, Wilbanks fled from the Shoe Show through the alarmed back door, clutching two pairs of HEYDUDE shoes. The witness noted that something startled Wilbanks, causing him to hastily exit through the back door, leaving his hat and backpack behind.
Observing Wilbanks in full sprint, police officers initiated a brief pursuit, ultimately employing a taser to subdue him after he failed to halt. Within minutes, they successfully took him into custody.
The eyewitness disclosed that there were additional pairs of shoes in the store’s restricted back room, inaccessible to customers. However, Wilbanks abandoned those shoes when he made his escape.
Currently, Wilbanks is being detained pending a bond hearing, facing charges that include Retail Theft 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Elude, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Intoxication.
Moreover, he faces pending felony charges in Lauderdale County for Theft 1st Degree, as well as felony drug charges in Cullman County.
Hargett commended the rapid response of RPD officers, highlighting that their quick actions enabled them to apprehend Wilbanks without posing any risk or danger to other citizens.
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