A Woodbridge man and wanted Fredericksburg man both attempted to flee from deputies after shoplifting Wednesday afternoon.

On July 3rd at approximately 2:56 p.m. Deputy F.A. Martinez was in the parking lot of Target, located at 1090 Stafford Market Place, for a suspicious person call. While attempting to locate the subject in question, he observed a male quickly leaving the store. Right behind him was an employee who quickly informed Deputy Martinez of a larceny in progress and the male was one of the suspects. The suspect began fleeing as Deputy Martinez radioed to nearby deputies.

Considering Deputy Martinez’s marked vehicle was faster than the suspect, Deputy Martinez was able to cut off his escape route. Deputies attempted to detain the suspect, but he would resist and disregard commands. His resistance would cease after deputies utilized OC spray.

As the suspect was being detained, staff advised a second suspect was involved. While they were providing details of that suspect, Deputy K.R. Sprinkles arrived on scene and observed a male exiting the business who matched the description perfectly. She would attempt to converse with him, but the suspect had other plans and began fleeing. His fleeing attempt would be shorter than his buddies and he was taken into custody as well.

After reviewing camera footage, it was discovered both parties were involved in shoplifting over $550 worth of items. The first suspect, identified as Johnnie Mickle Jr. 36, of Fredericksburg, was found in possession of the stolen items, as well as, suspected controlled substances. He was also wanted out of Prince William for a failure to appear offense. Mickle was charged with shoplifting, larceny, obstruction of justice, fleeing from law enforcement, possession of controlled substances, and served on his outstanding warrant. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $2,500 secured bond. The second suspect, identified as Lawerence Johnson, 37 of Woodbridge, was charged with shoplifting, larceny, and fleeing from law enforcement. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $1,500 secured bond.