Two men in custody after shoplifting, assaulting security and police officer, and wrecking twice
DANVILLE, Va. Jan 8, 2022Â At approximately 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, the Danville Police Department responded to reports of a shoplifting in progress at the Walmart Supercenter located at 515 Mount Cross Road.
Officer Parker, in cooperation with Walmart Loss Prevention, approached two males near the store exit.
The men were non-compliant and the interaction continued to the parking lot where apprehension efforts were made with one of the men, 24-year-old Parker Barron Wright of Ruffin, N.C.
Wright violently resisted arrest, including assaulting Officer Parker. Wright then broke free to get to the getaway vehicle driven by the second man, 21-year-old Billings Carpenter Miner of Semora, N.C.
Officer Parker continued the pursuit on foot in the parking lot with Miner driving in a manner as if to hit the officer. The officer was not struck as Miner drove away recklessly.
Miner did, however, strike a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot before continuing to drive away.
Miner then sped out of the lot and eventually down Piedmont Drive to the intersection of Executive Drive where he drove the getaway vehicle into another vehicle and became immobile.
Miner and Wright attempted to flee on foot, but another Danville police officer was able to apprehend them near the accident scene on Executive Drive.
Miner, the driver, was charged with felony elude law enforcement, misdemeanor hit and run, felony hit and run, felony assault and battery on police officer and shoplifting.
Wright, the passenger, was charged with felony assault and battery on police officer, obstruction of justice, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct. In addition, a warrant he was served a warrant from Danville he was already wanted on for fraud — obtaining money by false pretenses.
During the apprehension efforts, Officer Parker sustained bleeding injuries to his face. He was treated at the scene by a bystander with gauze who identified herself as a nurse. The officer’s injuries are not considered life-threatening or serious. However, he would like the woman to contact the police department so that she can be recognized for her help.
