Two suspects remain at large for felony shoplifting after one escaped Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle while in Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office custody.
Christopher Tedford, 27, is wanted for one felony count of shoplifting and escape, while Heather Russ, 35, is wanted one felony count of shoplifting, Amory Police Department Assistant Chief Nick Weaver told The Dispatch.
The two are accused in connection with a Tuesday evening incident at Walmart in Amory, where the two reportedly stole 79 items, including tires, food and clothing that totaled nearly $3,000, bringing it within the threshold of a felony, Weaver said.
Lowndes County sheriff’s deputies found Tedford, who had a warrant out for his arrest, in Columbus Thursday on Cal-Kolola Road, Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said.
After being detained, Tedford allegedly told officers that he had swallowed fentanyl, Hawkins said, and he was taken by ambulance to Baptist.
Before tests could be administered, Tedford escaped on foot from the hospital.
“They weren’t sure if he consumed anything or not, and to our knowledge, he didn’t have anything in his system,” Hawkins said.
Amory police, LCSO, Columbus Police Department and the Mississippi Department of Corrections are still searching for both suspects, Weaver said.
Anyone who has information regarding Russ or Tedford’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Amory Police Department, their local law enforcement agency or call Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 42 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
