CULLMAN, Ala. – Three Birmingham residents were arrested and charged in Cullman on Friday, April 18, with organized retail theft.
According to the City of Cullman, at approximately 3:05 p.m., Cullman Police Department patrol officers were dispatched to Walmart on Olive Street Southwest in reference to a felony theft in progress.
Upon arrival, officers allegedly located the suspect vehicle, a silver Dodge Charger, in the Walmart parking lot and attempted to make contact with the individuals involved.
The driver of the vehicle allegedly continued through the parking lot and before coming to a stop in the parking lot of AMC Theatre.
Once stopped, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly failed to follow commands to exit the vehicle, and a short stand-off ensued.
The City said two occupants were eventually taken into custody, and a third suspect was apprehended by Cullman County Sheriff’s Office deputies nearby. It said one of the occupants of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure.
“It was determined that the three individuals were part of an organized theft group out of Birmingham and had committed several felonious thefts of major retail stores in the city of Cullman over the last few weeks, as well as in several other jurisdictions in the Birmingham Metro Area,” said a statement from the City.
Shekinah Faith Laster, 31; Rashad Deron Thirkield, 26; and Andrew Denero Holloway, 32, were each charged with organized retail theft. The City said more charges are expected to follow.
“(Cullman Police) Chief Joey Duncan would like to commend the Cullman Police officers involved in the apprehension of these individuals and the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their assistance,” said the statement.
