News

‘They came to the wrong county:’ Pair arrested in $6K stolen electronics heist in Palm Coast

Shekeria Wilkins and Amber Phillips Walmart shoplifters

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Two women are facing charges after Flagler County deputies said they stole $6,000 worth of electronics.

Shekeria Wilkins, 24, and Amber Phillips, 26, were arrested Friday night, deputies said.

A deputy patrolling the area saw a car parked in a handicap space outside a Walmart in Palm Coast and ran the tag. The investigation revealed that the tag was stolen, authorities said.

Authorities established a perimeter in the area, and as the vehicle left the parking lot, deputies attempted a traffic stop.

Deputies said Wilkins, the driver, and her passenger, Phillips, did not pull over, and drove onto Cypress Point Parkway.

The Sheriff’s Office said deputies deployed stop sticks on Palm Coast Parkway, deflating the car’s tires.

Wilkins continued to drive onto I-95 south, but eventually stopped near mile marker 286, deputies said.

The two were arrested and their vehicle was searched.

Deputies said they found about $6,000 worth of stolen electronics, $994.03 of which were from the Walmart in Palm Coast.

A news release said that when questioned by deputies, Wilkins and Phillips said they were from West Palm Beach and had been “shopping” at various stores all day.

Wilkins said she obtained the tag on her car from a friend, but refused to identify the friend to law enforcement, the release said.

“This is another example of how you never know what a routine patrol by an observant deputy can lead too,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This is a prime example of ‘felony lane’ thieves traveling the interstate stealing merchandise up and down the east coast, but this time they came to the wrong county.”

Wilkins and Phillips were taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

“Now, they can spend the holidays at the Green Roof Inn,” Staly said.

Wilkins is charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, grand theft and petit theft. She is being held on $1,000 bail.

Amber Phillips is charged with grand theft and is being held on a $500.00 bail.

The two could face more charges as the Sheriff’s Office works with other agencies, the release said.

0