Pickaway County, OH — A 27-year-old man faces theft charges after a dramatic pursuit that began at Walmart and ended at a nearby Hampton Inn on August 14, 2024. The incident unfolded when law enforcement responded to a report of a theft in progress at Walmart.
According to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as Tyler Joseph Lane, was seen leaving Walmart with a stolen speaker, scooter, and a backpack full of clothes. Lane reportedly fled the scene heading towards the Hampton Inn.
Sheriff’s deputies located Lane in the parking lot of the hotel, where he was trying to enter a van while still carrying the stolen items. Deputies ordered Lane to stop, but he attempted to evade capture by running across the street. At that point, K9 Din was deployed to assist in the pursuit.
K9 Din successfully cornered Lane near a dumpster wall. Despite Lane’s attempts to climb the wall and escape, K9 Din’s presence prevented him from getting away. Deputies commanded Lane to surrender, and he complied by laying on his stomach with his hands visible. K9 Din was called back, and Lane was secured without further incident.
Lane was detained, and the stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to Walmart. He was trespassed from the store and booked at the Pickaway County Jail on theft charges, with the stolen goods valued at $506.67. The scene was cleared without additional issues.
