Woman Arrested After Shoplifting Report, Brief Pursuit Across County Lines

Portland Police Department

SAN PATRICIO COUNTY - A 36-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly shoplifting from Walmart and leading law enforcement on a brief vehicle pursuit that ended at a local middle school, according to the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office.

A deputy monitoring regional radio traffic heard officers with the Portland Police Department report that a female shoplifting suspect was possibly heading toward Ingleside.

The deputy later located the suspect vehicle near Texas 361 and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities said the driver fled, initiating a short pursuit.

The vehicle eventually stopped at Leon Taylor Middle School in Ingleside, where the driver exited and ran. She was quickly apprehended with assistance from the Ingleside Police Department and Portland police.

Authorities reported finding drug paraphernalia and unpaid merchandise inside the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the school grounds to ensure no hazardous items were discarded that could pose a risk to students.

Leslie Marie Cox, 36, was transported to the county jail and booked on charges of theft, evading arrest with a vehicle, evading detention and possession of a controlled substance. Bond was set at $19,000.