EAST LAMPETER TOWNSHIP (WPMT)-A Lancaster man was arrested after leading police on a car chase through two municipalities after stealing DVDs from Walmart, according to police reports.
Kevin L. Sheppard, 41, is facing numerous charges including retail theft, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of electronic incapacitation device, accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed and several traffic violations.
Officers responded to Walmart along the 2000 block of Lincoln Highway East in East Lampeter Township for a report of shoplifting.
Police said the man, later identified as Sheppard, took 9 DVDs valued at $93.80 and left the store without paying. Sheppard got into a green Pontiac minivan after running from a loss prevention employee.
Officers caught up with Sheppard as he was driving onto Route 30 west–but he fled from them at a high rate of speed. Sheppard then exited onto Greenfield Road. Police said the chase reached speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.
The chase eventually ended when Sheppard lost control of the vehicle along the 2200 block of Northbrook Drive in Manheim Township and crashed into a tree, investigators said. He was taken into custody at the scene of the crash.
Sheppard admitted to police that he stole the DVDs from Walmart, according to the criminal complaint. He also told investigators that he fled from officers because his license was suspended as a result of a DUI.
Police searched his vehicle and found heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and a stun gun.
Sheppard was taken to Lancaster General Hospital for treatment and later released. He was transferred to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Police said Sheppard had three prior retail convictions dating back to 1997.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 9.