MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX- Strange calls at the Porter Walmart have become not only expected by local law enforcement, they’re almost a rite of passage for newcomers. Around dusk on Halloween, Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the notorious store to deal with alleged “shoelifting” by someone reportedly known for bypassing all points of payment. Asset Protection employees told deputies a woman tried on a pair of shoes, removed the tags, and walked out of the store carrying the shoes she was wearing when she entered. Thanks to a swift response and a known suspect, the deputies quickly spotted the woman in the parking lot behind the wheel of a white Chevy Camaro, with the passenger seat occupied by a woman believed to be her mother.

Deputies activated their equipment and attempted to make contact. Ironically, the woman believed to be wearing new shoes allegedly then tried to “run” and fled southbound in the vehicle. MCSO Deputies pursued and Deputies with Pct. 4 Constable Rowdy Hayden’s Office joined in the pursuit, which momentarily reportedly reached high speeds (we don’t have the number yet). Fortunately, the chase was short, ending at the HEB at Northpark Drive and Hwy 59 southbound. The vehicle stopped, and both women then allegedly tried to literally run (never a good idea in new shoes), and were easily caught. Deputies say when trying to detain the women, both “ladies” put up a fight.

Once the women were safely detained, deputies began to investigate the car, and were shocked to find a third passenger- the driver’s 3-year-old son. The boy was released to the custody of a family member who was contacted during the on-scene investigation and agreed to pick him up and care for him. While awaiting that family member, MCSO Deputies Lafferty and Griffin entertained the youngster. When the child left, he was wearing little badge stickers as an honorary deputy of both responding agencies. The event may have turned out to be a fun adventure for the toddler, but deputies say it could have ended very badly because there was no child safety seat in the vehicle.

The event didn’t end well for the two women (We’ll post names and mugs when we have them). One of them probably could’ve avoided going to jail, but made a different choice. Preliminary information says both women are charged with assault on a police officer. The driver is also charged with evading arrest and theft. Child endangerment charges may be forthcoming.

Details will be added when they become available.