On Sunday, three suspected shoplifters fled in a vehicle that then crashed into a pole.
Two people were transported to the hospital and one fled on foot.
At 12:54 p.m., the Bowling Green Police Division responded to a report of theft at Walmart, 131 W. Gypsy
Lane Road. Dispatched advised that while fleeing, the vehicle had struck a concrete pole in the parking
lot and one occupant had fled east.
The assistant store manager indicated that Kortnee Vekaryasz, who was standing beside the vehicle, had
stolen clothing from the store. Upon questioning, she admitted she had and said she hit the pole after
the other two in the vehicle urged her to get out of there.
The clothing, valued at $193.50, was returned before Vekaryasz left the store.
Front-seat passenger Ruth Fugitt, 55, Findlay, was taken to Wood County Hospital by Bowling Green EMS
with leg pain.
Vekaryasz, 26, Mount Cory, also was transported to the hospital with knee pain from hitting the dash and
lower back pain.
The third passenger, identified as Chad Hughes, 42, Findlay, was found in the bathroom at Home Depot.
It was determined no charges were applicable to Fugitt and Hughes.
Vekaryasz was cited at the hospital for theft and willful and wanton disregard for public safety on
private property.
