Peachtree City, GA Two women are facing multiple charges after an alleged theft at a Lululemon store in Peachtree City escalated into a dangerous high-speed police pursuit that reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and ended in a crash, authorities confirmed this week.
According to Peachtree City Police Department officials, the incident began on Friday, March 6, when Shanteanna Johnson and Evaria Billings entered the Lululemon location near State Highway 74 and reportedly walked out of the store with thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.
“They pretty much do everything, sort of waving to employees as they walk out the door with thousands in stolen merchandise,” said Lieutenant Chris Hyatt, describing the brazen nature of the theft.
When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle the women were driving — believed to be a stolen or fraudulently rented car — the pair refused to stop and sped away, sparking a brief but high-speed pursuit through city streets. The chase reportedly reached speeds exceeding 100 mph before ending at the intersection of Highway 74 and Crosstown Drive, where the suspects’ vehicle collided with another car.
The driver of the uninvolved vehicle suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, according to police. Both Johnson and Billings were taken into custody shortly after the crash. Officers also recovered the stolen merchandise.
Investigators say the theft and subsequent chase are part of a larger pattern of organized retail crime affecting stores across the metro Atlanta area. Evidence collected at the scene reportedly connects the two women to multiple other thefts and potentially coordinated shoplifting operations.
Officials emphasized that organized retail theft isn’t just about shoplifting — they allege that profits from these crimes are often funneled into more serious criminal activity and, in some cases, linked to broader criminal networks.
“We have seen tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars lost through similar incidents,” Lt. Hyatt said, noting the significance of the arrests for local law enforcement efforts.
Both suspects were booked into the Fayette County Jail on multiple felony theft and traffic-related charges. Authorities indicate additional charges could be filed as the ongoing investigation continues and other jurisdictions review related cases.
Police are urging anyone with information about related retail thefts or additional footage of the March 6 incident to come forward, as authorities work to piece together the scope of the alleged theft ring.