A seemingly routine shoplifting incident at a Wisconsin Kohl’s department store quickly escalated into a dangerous high-speed chase involving multiple crashes, a foot pursuit, and three arrests. The incident, which unfolded on August 8th in Glendale, Wisconsin, highlighted the risks associated with retail theft and the dedication of law enforcement officers in apprehending those involved.
Dashcam Footage Captures Dramatic Escape Attempt
The incident began when 29-year-old Lil Cherry Gallion allegedly stole $1,300 worth of merchandise from the Kohl’s store. Security camera footage shows Gallion sprinting out of the store and towards a waiting getaway vehicle driven by 27-year-old Robert Hill. As Gallion reached the passenger side, a Glendale Police squad car arrived on the scene, attempting to block their escape.
Security camera footage shows the suspect's car ramming police vehicles in the Kohl's parking lot.
In a reckless maneuver captured on the officer’s dashcam, Hill rammed the police vehicle multiple times in an attempt to force his way out of the parking lot. The impact of the collisions was audible in the dashcam audio, with officers repeatedly shouting “Stop now!”
High-Speed Pursuit Through Busy Shopping District
Undeterred, Hill led police on a low-speed chase through the crowded Bay Shore mall parking lot, narrowly avoiding pedestrians and other vehicles. He collided with another squad car before jumping a curb and driving onto a grassy embankment, demonstrating a blatant disregard for public safety.
The suspect's vehicle is pursued by police through a crowded mall parking lot.
The chase continued through the parking lot of a nearby bank, where Hill once again rammed a police cruiser before eventually re-entering the mall parking lot. Despite multiple collisions and near misses, Hill continued to evade capture, putting the lives of shoppers and law enforcement officers at risk.
Wrong-Way Driving and Highway Pursuit
In a desperate attempt to escape, Hill drove the wrong way down a busy road, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. Dashcam footage from pursuing officers captured the harrowing moments as Hill weaved through traffic at high speed.
The suspect's vehicle speeds down the highway, pursued by multiple police cars.
The pursuit finally reached a turning point on the highway, where Hill lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a construction site. He and Gallion abandoned the wrecked car and attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended by pursuing officers.
Three Arrests and Multiple Charges Filed
Body camera footage captured the moments of the arrests, with officers ordering both suspects to the ground. In addition to Hill and Gallion, an 18-year-old woman, Velicity McBride, was also taken into custody. Police allege that McBride was stealing from the back of the Kohl’s store during the initial incident.
All three suspects now face charges of felony retail theft. Hill faces additional charges including hit and run, resisting arrest, and recklessly endangering safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of retail theft and the potential for seemingly minor offenses to escalate into serious crimes.