Manatee deputies catch shoplifters

Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested three suspects for stealing more than $1,200 in merchandise from Prime Outlets — Ellenton.

According to sheriff's office reports, Ebony Brice, 32, Trenicia Bridges, 29 and Shakeshia Ward, 31, were confronted by Vanity Fair management in reference to shoplifting from their store. The three fled with merchandise from Vanity Fair and Izod, totaling in excess of $1,200.

A sheriff's office deputy stopped the three in their car, but while being questioned, Brice shifted the car into drive and fled. The aviation unit picked up the vehicle and followed it to Tideview MHP. The three occupants fled from the vehicle on foot. Deputies captured all three suspects and they were arrested at that point for fleeing to elude and obstruction.

The vehicle was searched and several bags of stolen merchandise were found in the cab of the vehicle as well as in the trunk. The merchandise was photographed and later returned to the store. All three suspects were charged with grand theft. The three were transported to jail without incident.