Grand theft at Folsom Safeway leads to high-speed police chase and arrest

(FOX40.COM) — A 30-year-old man was arrested after allegedly stealing over $1200 worth of merchandise from a Northern California Safeway and leading police on a high-speed pursuit.

Around 3 p.m. on June 9, the Folsom Police Department said it received a call about a theft from the Safeway on Prairie City Road in Folsom. The caller reported they saw the suspect load a cart full of items and leave the store without paying for them. They provided a description of the suspect and vehicle: a black Toyota headed toward US Highway 50.

Additionally, the caller provided dispatchers with a license plate number, according to FPD. An officer responded to westbound US Highway 50 and located a vehicle with the same license plate number being driven by a driver who matched the suspect’s description. Police said the vehicle was traveling at high speed and weaving in and out of traffic.

An officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, however, the vehicle exited US Highway 50 at Zinfandel Drive and continued to drive dangerously onto Olson Drive, according to FPD. Video recorded by FPD shows the pursuit in part. Eventually, the vehicle turned into a parking lot on the 11000 Block of Olson Drive and surrendered.

FPD said Eric Kephart of Elk Grove was arrested for alleged grand theft and evading a police officer. He was booked at Sacramento County Jail and all items were returned to Safeway.