A Jonesborough woman was arrested Wednesday after an incident at a local retail store, then faced another charge after police say she tried to escape while being evaluated for injuries at a hospital.
Brandi Graybeal, 28, 218 Charlie Hicks Road, Jonesborough, was arrested Wednesday morning by Elizabethton Police Department Officer Justin Pearce and charged with shoplifting over $500 and resisting stop/arrest.
Pearce wrote in his report on the incident that he was dispatched to Wal-Mart on a report of shoplifting, and when he arrived he spoke with Scott Elliott, a Wal-Mart loss prevention employee.
According to the report, Elliott told officers he had seen a female subject, later identified as Graybeal, try to leave the store with a shopping cart of merchandise valued at more than $990 without paying for the items, and that he tried to detain her.
“Elliott stated that Graybeal refused to stop and attempted to flee. Elliott stated he ‘bear hugged’ Graybeal and he and other employees attempted to escort her back to the loss prevention office for processing,” Pearce said in his report. “Elliott stated Graybeal continued to resist, pulling away from them and falling on the ground. Elliott stated during the time Graybeal was resisting she caused him to injure his right thumb and left knee.”
According to the report, emergency medical personnel were called to the scene to treat Elliott, who was then taken to a hospital for further treatment.
Pearce said in the report that Graybeal was arrested on a charge of shoplifting over $500.
“Graybeal stated that she was ‘attacked’ by Elliott and didn’t know who he was so she was trying to get away,” Pearce said in the report, noting that Graybeal had visible bruising on her arms, which was documented with photographs. The officer said Graybeal also complained of a shoulder injury, so she was taken to Sycamore Shoals Hospital to be medically cleared for incarceration.
“While waiting for medical clearance I was sitting outside of Graybeal’s hospital room and she attempted to flee custody and run out of the hospital,” Pearce said in the report. “I was able to grab Graybeal as she was running down the hallway and get her back into custody.” Pearce said Graybeal was then charged with resisting stop/arrest.
Graybeal was then transported to the Carter County Detention Center where she was later released on bond. She is scheduled to appear in Carter County General Sessions Court on Sept. 8.