On May 9, 2024, deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shoplifting incident at a Home Depot in Palm Coast, Florida. According to investigators, Samuel Johnson and Elmer Tossie were suspected of using a receipt-switching scheme to steal merchandise valued at approximately $1,395. Store employees told deputies that one suspect purchased lower-value items before the other allegedly used the receipt to leave with more expensive merchandise. Before deputies arrived, law enforcement located the suspects’ white Nissan van and attempted to stop it. Police say the driver initially remained stopped before maneuvering around deputies and fleeing at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the van allegedly drove over a curb, nearly struck a marked patrol vehicle, and weaved through traffic while heading toward Interstate 95. Deputies also reported seeing a large spool of wire thrown from the van during the chase. The pursuit came to an end after one of the van’s tires failed, causing the driver to lose control and leave the roadway. The vehicle eventually came to rest in a wooded area. Both men then allegedly ran from the vehicle. One suspect jumped a fence before being apprehended, while the second was found hiding in the woods. During an inventory of the van, deputies said they recovered the merchandise reported stolen from Home Depot, including three garbage disposals and two spools of electrical wire. Investigators also located additional property that they believed could be connected to other thefts. Samuel Johnson was charged with scheme to defraud over $750, grand theft/shoplifting, and fleeing or eluding law enforcement. Elmer Tossie was charged with scheme to defraud over $750, grand theft/shoplifting, and resisting law enforcement without violence. According to the arrest report, Johnson later told deputies that he fled because his “mind went blank” and he was scared. This video presents body-worn camera footage and publicly documented information surrounding the incident. Charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. #Bodycam #PoliceChase #Shoplifting #HomeDepot #PoliceBodycam #CaughtOnCamera

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