A Kingsport man has been arrested following an early Friday morning incident at Walmart, where he allegedly cursed employees and stole garden figurines - then hit a corner of the building with a car during his getaway.
Police report a wallet flew off the car during the hit and run, with a license found inside leading them to their suspect. Shannon L. Hawkins, 20, of 1005 Minton Place, faces numerous charges in the incident, including resisting arrest and theft.
According to records at the Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins and another individual were attempting to return items at Walmart on West Stone Drive shortly before 2 a.m. When their request was denied the pair allegedly, "became belligerent and began cursing employees."
They reportedly were told to leave by store personnel, but shortly thereafter were observed in the parking lot loading items from the garden center. When confronted by employees they allegedly jumped into a Toyota and fled, taking a stolen angel and duck yard figurines.
Hawkins was allegedly driving during the escape, with his car striking the side of the Walmart building. A police report says both the store and vehicle were damaged by the impact.
An officer who was called to the scene reports discovering a wallet that had "flew off" the suspects' car. A driver's license located inside belonged to a female, with police then responding to her address on Minton Street, also the home of Hawkins.
Hawkins was located at the home, according to police, and allegedly admitted to the theft, fleeing the scene and striking the building. He reportedly told police he had abandoned the vehicle at Holston Valley Medical Center, where officers late located the stolen lawn and garden items, valued at $29, still inside the car.
While being taken into custody Hawkins allegedly attempted to pull away from police, prompting two officers to take him to the ground. He was then transported to the city jail on charges of theft, leaving the scene of an accident, driving on a suspended license and resisting arrest.
