On Friday, October 27, 2023, at around 10:28 a.m., the Tarpon Springs Police Department received a report of an ongoing theft at an Ulta store located at 40960 U.S. Hwy 19. Responding officers were provided with descriptions of the suspects, who were reportedly driving a silver Mazda sedan.
The officers located the described vehicle, with individuals matching the suspect descriptions inside, as they attempted to leave the scene. The driver refused to stop when instructed to do so and fled in an easterly direction on Tarpon Ave. During this escape, various pieces of cellophane and plastic were discarded from the vehicle. The pursuing officers decided to terminate their chase but later reacquired the vehicle and attempted a second stop. Once again, the driver evaded apprehension, prompting the officers to discontinue their pursuit.
A helicopter from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office promptly identified the vehicle and trailed it to the Countryside area, where deputies attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually stopped in the southbound lanes of US-19, approaching the exit for Sunset Point Road after successfully deploying a tire deflation device. Tarpon Springs officers subsequently confirmed the suspects’ identities by reviewing surveillance footage from Ulta and the initial suspect descriptions provided.
All the suspects were subjected to interviews, and following Miranda warnings, one of them confessed. They were subsequently arrested on charges of Grand Theft, as they had allegedly stolen merchandise valued at over $7,800 from Ulta. Furthermore, the driver faced additional charges, specifically two counts of Fleeing to Elude Police Officers. The driver was identified as a 17-year-old Klashia Jones-Joslin from St. Petersburg. The other two defendants were named 23-year-old Ashlynn Jeaniece Bryant and 18-year-old Lamorria Regina Hires, both from St. Petersburg.
Detectives are also collaborating with the Pasco and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, as these suspects reportedly match the descriptions of individuals involved in similar activities at Ulta stores in Pasco and Pinellas County recently.