Officers with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office in Florida responded to a retail theft call at a shopping center. Two individuals had stolen merchandise from JC Penney and fled to a BMW. When officers initiated a traffic stop, the suspects fled on foot, leaving the driver who claimed she had just been carjacked at knife point. Officers faced a critical question. Was this woman an innocent victim or an accomplice avoiding liability? STAY IN THE CAR. >> I got you running on foot. Give me your keys cuz you're right now. Turn your car off. Turn your car off. >> What? Sir, I didn't do What the hell did I do? Ladies, just jumped in my car and had me that [ __ ] just had a knife in my throat, bro. >> Step out of the car. >> Good lord. >> Mhm. >> Stand right there. >> Turn and face the car. We'll figure all this out. >> Oh, you're Will. I ain't do nothing. one. I'm by Wells Fargo. Male and female ran um westbound. Oh, excuse me. Eastbound >> toward the 62nd. >> Them two girls. >> Okay. All right. Who has the knife? >> The damn girl in the front. She had [ __ ] my throat. >> Description. >> I ain't going to lie to you. >> First one was shorter tan pan uh tan shirt. The other one taller uh like a white shirt. Allegedly. The one with tan uh in the tan had a knife at this driver's throat. We have uh shoplifting right now, but if uh I'm investigating right now. They just hopped in your car. >> Just hopped in my You pass the lady in the pink. >> Oh, lazily. They just hopped in her car and put a knife to her throat. >> Hopped in my car with damn bags. What the >> find out who that is? >> That's what that's what we're doing. We got them caught. So, we're going to figure out that >> I don't know, but we're going to find out. You know, verify your side of the story and whatnot. We have a car jacket. >> That's what she's saying. I'm going to verify >> this woman wearing brown shirt. >> One of them was Yes. kind of short and heavy set. >> I got her here at the Burger King. Um it's another one. Uh she ran somewhere else. I got her here. >> Are these your chicken or your potato wedges? No sir. >> Whose potato wedges are those? >> Them hers. Everything in that seat should be hers when she jumped in. >> What about this car? Your phone? >> Oh, no. It's not mine. >> That's not yours? But it's plugged into your car. So, you telling me again that you don't know who these people are? You see how all the This is plugged in. There's food here. Why would somebody phone? That's my son's phone right there. Now, >> you just told me that it was there her phone. Everything was up here. >> It's not mine. That little brown bag. I don't even know what the heck that is. >> Food. Sorry. >> Officers arrived and observed two individuals fleeing from the BMW. The driver, Nakia, claimed she was the victim of a carjacking with a knife held to her throat. Under Florida law, carjacking is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison. Officers detained all parties while investigating the conflicting claims. The investigating officer examined the vehicle and found inconsistencies. A phone was plugged into the car charger and food items were present, suggesting the vehicle hadn't been suddenly commandeered. When confronted with this evidence, Nakia changed her story, claiming the phone belonged to her son. Officers also checked for injuries on her neck and found none. The second suspect, Vanessa, was located hiding in bushes. She initially resisted, but eventually complied. The officer properly advised her of Miranda rights before questioning. Vanessa voluntarily admitted she took merchandise from J. C. Penney and fled due to fear of violating her probation. Under Florida law, this constitutes retail theft. >> You do me a favor. Lift or connect. Just make sure they didn't cut you anywhere or anything. >> Okay. All right. >> He said this one's supposed to be signal zero. >> All right. Come over here real quick. >> Yeah. Oh, we got both or >> in the bushes over here? >> Only out with one of them. >> The girl with the brown shirt. I seen another one. She had a black shirt and blue jeans and I think like long bra. >> You're being detained for right now. >> My girlfriend. >> You got any weapons on you? side of fresh kitchen going. >> You're not being arrested. You're just being detained around for me. Trying to figure out what's happening. All right. All right. Come here. >> You going to sit here and then we'll talk about it. >> All right. >> Take a seat. >> All right. Can I explain to you? >> Yes. Now you can. >> Me and my girl were fighting. Okay. We were fighting. >> We already had cold and stuff where we were arguing about the kids. So I told her, "Bitch, if that's the way it's going to be, then you can pay for this [ __ ] by yourself." >> Okay? >> I didn't have my card anyway. And she was like, "So you hold I'll come talk to you in a second." Hold on. >> They're fighting from the key. >> I'M NOT PAYING ME. I NOT DOING NOTHING. >> Give me YOUR HAND NOW. I'M not so dizzy. >> Ow. >> Help. >> Stop pulling. >> In these bushes here. >> I just hit cuz I'm scared. >> Honestly, I'm scared. >> I'm scared. Let me get up. I'm not going to be nothing. Yes. >> No one's in his car. She's in his car. >> Roll over. Ah. over there. >> Please >> roll over. >> I'm coming. >> Sit up. >> Please. Can you help me up? >> Can you help me out? >> I give you a second. >> Supposed to have the signal to you. >> Is she the one that's supposed to have the signal? >> The critical moment arrived when Vanessa identified the driver as an acquaintance who brought them to the store knowing their intent to shoplift. She confirmed Nakia was the getaway driver, directly contradicting the carjacking claim. Officers then arranged for the loss prevention witness to identify all parties. The witness testimony completely contradicted the carjacking narrative. She observed the suspects enter the BMW, then saw Nia exit Forever 21 and enter the driver's seat after the suspects were already inside. Under Florida law, by serving as the getaway driver with knowledge of the planned theft, Nakia became criminally liable as an accomplice. Confronted with witness testimony, Nakia abandoned her carjacking claim and admitted she lied. She attempted a new narrative, claiming coercion. But this still contradicted the witness who saw Nakia enter the vehicle after the suspects. The second suspect, Lena, appeared genuinely shocked by the carjacking allegation and provided detailed statements confirming Nakia requested they shoplift clothing for her boyfriend and served as the getaway driver. >> The girl just handed me. She handed me something. I just put it in my purse. >> Can I Can I to come do an article search over here in these bushes? >> Can I please get up? I'm just itching really bad. I'm not going to do nothing. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Stand up. Ready? Just put your other foot in front of you. I'll help you out. >> Ah. >> What? My knee. >> My knee. >> Your knee. >> Ah. >> You ready? >> I'll help. I'm not going to do nothing. I swear. Well, you already ran from us, so I know this way. Walk that way. >> I'm coming. I just need to take my >> breath. Are we looking for the knife? >> All right. >> Knife. >> What knife? >> Get in the car. >> What happened to that knife? >> Ah, a knife. >> So, I I didn't get any further on. I just heard it was zero involved. So, I was just >> Yes, Vanessa. >> I'm I'm just Ow. I'm just trying to see what's going on. >> Okay. So, I I'll I'll tell you what's going on. But first, I'm going to read you your rights, okay? Cuz we're going to talk about it. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. I'm be completely honest. >> Okay. >> I'm pro. >> You have the right to remain silent. You say can Okay. I still have to read it though. Okay. So, having those rights in mind, you still want to talk to me? >> Yes, I do. >> Okay. What happened to JC Penney? >> Well, um >> I put my hands on it. So, I shouldn't touch this stuff. Okay. I was just handed I just >> nerves I just kept moving my probation situation. >> You know what I'm saying? So it was like my nerves >> didn't want to stop. I just didn't want to get into which still happened. I scared >> I got >> you know what I'm saying? >> The car the car you guys were in. Who's the driver of that car? >> That's her family member. >> Her family member. So what's what's your relation to the other person over there? >> That's a friend of mine. >> A friend of yours. Okay. So you don't even know the driver? I mean I know like >> you know like by like acquaintances. >> I mean I know her name is Kia. I have her never in my like that's her cousin. We're all like acquainted friends. >> Did you did she come with you guys to steal from J C Penney? >> Yeah. >> She's driving the car. She brought us to the >> You have the uh in your car right there. >> Okay. >> All three were arrested and charged. Vanessa and Lena faced retail theft charges. Nakia was charged as an accomplice. The carjacking allegation was deemed unfounded based on witness testimony, physical evidence, and the suspect's statements. No knife was ever recovered. This case illustrates the importance of thorough investigation before accepting claims at face value. >> You want to you want to step out here for a second real quick on the sidewalk? >> I just walk up on the sidewalk here for me for a sec. Stand right here. >> Put my foot down. >> Yeah. >> Falling off right here. >> All right. Uh go face the car for me and I'm going to I'm going to fix your cuffs. Okay. All right. This way. Back here. Just face the car for me again. All right. Let me fix your cuffs. All right. And then I'll >> Did you hear that? >> Did you hear that crazy [ __ ] >> I'm at the store. I just want you to know that. >> Okay. Did you hear that? >> Who was paying you to steal stuff? >> Okay, I got you. >> Did you hear that? I'm listen. >> No. Did you hear that, though? >> I heard it. >> All right. So, you're innocent victims. >> I just want you to know that. Okay. >> Okay. >> No, for real. Yeah, you're you're tall. If you can sit sideways and call her, I'll just keep everybody out of it, please. >> Did you have a knife on you? >> No. >> Did she have a knife? >> My girlfriend? >> Yeah. Anybody had a knife on them? >> No. >> Just Just keep your feet in. Keep your feet in for me. >> That's my friend and my cousin. Okay. >> There's only one person that we know that was in the car with you. Was there anybody else? >> No. >> Who else was in the car with you? >> It was me, my friend, and my my my cousin. >> Okay. So, that's the three of you. >> From what my subject over here is saying, potentially there's a third subject that was in the vehicle with them. Um, I don't know if you've seen anything. >> I only have the driver. Do they know the driver? >> Then for she said one of So, okay. Three person in total. Then we have two and then you have one. That makes sense. But I guess the driver's um cousin or something. >> Find out if they know her name. >> So your cousin's the one driving. >> What's going on? >> Yes. >> What's her name? >> The name of the >> driver is the cousin of the subject I'm out with and first name. She doesn't know how name you back. >> I know. >> I don't understand. >> Then how she how she know your first name? >> Cuz I don't know how she know my first name. Sir, my information in my damn glove box. >> Mhm. >> But they just hopped they just hopped in your car and >> Listen, ask the lady. But >> and then and then why they they had time to go through your glove box? >> Tripping them. She She was tripping enough. >> You put it back. >> What's going on? >> Right now you're being detained passenger side. >> The weapon we're looking for allegedly is a knife that was supposedly held to the driver's throat in reference to a carjacking. If they know each other, I doubt very seriously there's going to be a weapon just for 43. >> You got my two. We're good to go. I just need to get a hold of my complaintant. >> So, you caught your BMW people here. >> You did? >> Yes. >> Excellent. >> So, can you tell me exactly? There was two that ran to the car, >> right? There was one that actually Hang on. >> The short [ __ ] whatever it is. Guy or girl, would you not figure out this is like the fourth time they've heard of got into the BMW. So, the BMW was waiting for them or they >> Yeah, it was open. He just climbed right in the back seat. >> But you see this lady right here? I think she owns the BMW. >> Okay. >> Right ahead. >> Yeah. >> Can you accompany us over here to where we have these folks detained and identify some people? So, they ran out of the store as you were chasing them. >> I wasn't chasing them. I was behind them on the phone to identify myself who I was and everything. I didn't touch them. >> All right. They came out of the store and you said one of them climbed into the back of the BMW >> the [ __ ] >> Okay. Where was the Who's driving the BMW? >> It was empty. That redheaded lady got into it >> after they got into the car. Gotcha. >> She came out of Forever 21 because I guess they called her. >> Believe 65 >> and she came out and got in the vehicle. >> Your incident has been updated. >> 1012 to complainant in 51. So, I need you to take a look at the car and the driver and see if you they look familiar to you at all. >> Also, that second as well. >> Careful. Turn face that vehicle. >> H. >> Just look at that vehicle. >> Yep, that's her. >> Okay. All right. That's 10 four on all three. >> All right. Go ahead. FC County and the second one is just strictly out of county bal. >> Yeah, I figured. >> Okay. So, as she was trailing them out of the store, the other two, which I don't know if those are them or not. >> Yeah. >> This one was waiting in the parking lot by the BMW. >> Okay. >> They ran to her car, get into her car, >> and she gets in the car after them. >> Oh, okay. >> And then they drive off. >> Okay. >> So, >> hang on. Hang on. Just seeing review. All right. All right, we're going back to where I was at. You want to tell me what happened? >> Okay. Only thing I lied to you about was do I know her? >> I know her. >> I know the little short one. >> Okay. >> She my cousin, but [ __ ] I ain't seen that girl in so long. She pulled up on me today. >> So, they ran to your car and they hopped in your car. >> Yes. >> And then you hopped in the car and drove off. >> No, I walked I walked out of Forever 21. I was buying some. The clothes that I was buying is still up there on the counter. >> Okay. I was coming out the store. The lady in the pink, she's like she looking at me. She shaking her head. to send the head. >> It was a car in the I'm looking around. It's a car. It was a Jeep that was backing up. Is going on. And I see the big tall girl, which I know that's her girlfriend. I know that's her girlfriend. So, I'm pulling out. I'm getting walking to my car out of Fever 21. I get in the seat. I get in my car. I get in the driver's seat, pick up my car. She come and hop in my car. The little short one. Her name is Lena. >> Okay. So, yeah. That's the only thing allowed to buy was her name. Her name Lena. She came hopped in my car. I know, right? >> She came, hopped in my car, and she put it back. She said, "Drive, [ __ ] Drive." Where the I'm driving at? I'm driving. So, >> and when I got to the stop sign, I seen the truck backing up. Vanessa, that's the big tall girl, her girlfriend. Who the hell is that? She said, "That's Vanessa. That's how I know who that is." She came and she jumped in the car >> in the back. >> Please call my mama. >> So, the witness that saw the girls run out >> Uh-huh. They saw them jump in your car. >> Yeah, they jumped in my car, sir. >> We're all straight with that. And then she saw you walk to your side of the car, hop in, and drive off with them. You were in the car when they jumped in. >> Yes, I was, sir. I didn't have to touch THE CAR WAS GOING TO MOVE. >> You were outside of the car. >> I walked to my car. >> All right. I've got the property. If she wants to uh verify, I'll bring that over there. Okay. >> So, we can verify an amount. >> And we take that over there >> if you want to. We'll take How about we take >> Okay. Hey, >> we're trying to keep opening those phone. What's up? What's up? You're under arrest. >> You're already under arrest. Okay. So, what's going on? >> Well, you have the right to remain silent. >> No, I have nothing to say. >> Okay. >> So, you don't want you don't want to say anything about your driver? >> What about her? >> She's saying you stuck a knife to her throat, made her drive. >> What? >> You don't want to talk to me this time? >> Right. Um, I'm going to charge you with car I'm going charge you with carjacking, aggravated assault because she's saying that you stuck an eye in her throat. Said you don't want to talk to me about your cousins. I don't do that. >> Well, that's what she's telling you. You don't want you don't want to talk to me about it. That's what she's saying. So, I got what she says. Watch your knee. Watch your knee. Watch your knee. Watch. Watch your knee. You throw the knife when you ran from. Watch your knee. >> I don't have a knife. >> Watch your knee. >> I never had a valid chart. Can you listen to me, ma'am? >> No, you you I tried to talk to you. You didn't want to talk to me. >> What do you need? >> Obviously, everybody's going to jail. Yeah, everybody's going to jail. Um, I got mom coming for the car. >> Okay. >> I'll see if she wants to stop now. >> Right. Do that. >> You want to talk now? >> Yeah. Start over. I ain't going to get out. I run. >> All right. Appreciate it. >> I never had a knife. >> Do I steal? Yes. >> Okay. >> She picked us up. >> They're supposed to be going to a game of hot dogs. >> She wanted an outfit for her boyfriend. >> Who wanted an outfit for a boyfriend? >> My cousin. And me and this girl. Okay. >> Okay. I didn't get a chance to get >> How long did they get the hookie? >> About 20 minutes now. I didn't get a chance to get her boyfriend no outfit. Okay. >> It was children's stuff. >> Okay. >> So, when the lady was saying that she had a real family to come in, I heard what the lady was saying and she was like, "Damn, how y'all getting [ __ ] up? I got kids." >> And I was like, "Only thing I can do for you is to get out >> because you she's only supposed to have a driver license." Then it's what she told me. >> Uhhuh. >> So, I don't know. I've never had a knife. Okay. >> They got everything off of me that they had. >> Okay. >> They took the dogs around my area. >> I ain't had no life, sir. >> But but Okay. >> I appreciate you going to charge me with no car jacking. No. No. >> Now, now that we're talking, I'm not I'm not going to do that. >> I ain't never had Listen, >> I still Okay, >> I'm looking in your eyes. >> She No, I hear you. I appreciate that. >> I don't hurt people that hurt. Me and her mama are sister's friend. >> Now, um does she know that y'all going in there to steal? be honest now cuz you been honest. She wanted us to get a boyfriend for now. >> Right. Right. >> So when you when you guys hopped in the car, she knew you guys were stealing. She hopped in the car. You guys hopped in the car. She hopped in and went and drove you away. Right. >> She knew you guys were stealing. So she was your getaway vehicle. >> God, I hate to say it, >> but that's what it is. >> But listen, all I know I'm all I know with nobody, man. >> Okay. All right. >> I ain't contract nobody. >> All right. She's on me and I have >> because you were the getaway driver. >> Your incident. >> You asked them to go inside and steal a outfit for your boyfriend. >> No, I got to >> I'm going to I'm going to hold on to this stuff. We get pictures of it and have it brought back to you. Is that okay? >> That's fine. >> Okay. >> Elatchua County officers receive a B+. They demonstrated professional judgment by detaining all parties while investigating rather than immediately accepting the carjacking claim. The calm questioning technique and proper Miranda administration were exemplary. However, they could have interviewed the witness earlier to more quickly identify the false claim. Overall, they conducted a thorough and legally sound investigation that successfully distinguished between victim and accomplice. Nakia receives an F. She committed multiple serious offenses and demonstrated extraordinary dishonesty. By serving as getaway driver, she became an accomplice to retail theft. She then filed a false police report claiming violent carjacking, exposing two people to potential life sentences to avoid a misdemeanor charge. She repeatedly changed her story when confronted with evidence. Her conduct represents a complete failure of judgment and integrity. Vanessa receives a C minus. She committed retail theft while on probation and fled from officers, creating danger. However, she voluntarily provided truthful statements after arrest, admitted full responsibility, and did not support the false carjacking claim. Her honesty helped officers determine the truth and partially mitigates her poor initial decisions. Lena receives a C. She participated in retail theft, fled from officers, and physically resisted during apprehension. However, she ultimately cooperated by providing truthful information clarifying Nakia's role as an accomplice. She credibly denied possessing a knife and showed maturity through eventual accountability. While her criminal conduct was inexcusable, her honesty prevented a worse outcome. This case demonstrates that thorough investigation and attention to detail are essential when evaluating claims during law enforcement encounters. Physical evidence, witness testimony, and inconsistencies in statements all played crucial roles in distinguishing truth from fabrication. 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