Shoplifting suspects threaten store employee, take Elk Grove Police on vehicle pursuit

Two suspects were arrested and placed in custody at the county jail after a shoplifting incident that included a vehicle pursuit.

The events started after 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 11 when Jarvis Coryell Ashley, 31 and Curtis Roy Smith, 58, both of Sacramento, were observed shoplifting at the Kohls store on Bruceville Road in Elk Grove. When a store employee approached the duo, Ashley allegedly brandished a knife and threatened bodily harm.

After threatening the employee, the suspects fled in a vehicle. Responding Elk Grove Police officers located the vehicle matching the description and attempted an enforcement stop.

Instead of stopping, Ashely led police on a vehicle pursuit into the city of Sacramento, abandoned the vehicle and fled to a nearby apartment. Police officers located Ashely and Smith, and both were arrested. 

A records search revealed Ashley was on probation and a search of Smith led to the discovery of methamphetamine. Ashely is held on $90,000 bail, and Smith on $50,000. 

Arraignment is on Monday, January 14.