Thieves steal nearly $20K in electronics from Wake Forest Walmart, lead officers on high speed chase

WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Officials are investigating after two people reportedly stole thousands in merchandise from the Wake Forest Walmart and led officers and deputies on a high-speed chase.

Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App

It started just before 1:30 a.m. at the Walmart at 2114 S. Main St.

Authorities said two people entered the store, stole $19,899 worth of electronics and fled the scene in a dark gray Dodge Journey.

"I guess if somebody is really driven to get some electronics then I would imagine two in the morning might be the time to do that," said Allison Blatz, a Wake Forest Walmart shopper.

Multiple law enforcement units including highway patrol were involved in the chase, which ended at the Fairfield Inn in Morrisville.

At one point, the pair was driving the wrong way down Interstate 40.

Officials said they used the stolen equipment to track the car.

A K-9 was able to find a bag containing the stolen goods outside of the old Morrisville Outlet Center.

Police said the pair stole 24 smartphones (including 12 iPhones and 12 Samsung Galaxy Phones), two iPad Airs, one iPad 6th Generation and four Apple Watches.

Officials took 26-year-old Deshon Khayre McClain, of the 1200 block of N. Miami Boulevard in Durham, into custody.

He's been charged with conspiracy to commit felony larceny and felony conspiracy to possess stolen property.

A search is underway for the second suspect, who escaped by running away. That suspect was dressed in all-black clothing and had a head wrap covering their face.

"It's a little disturbing to know they did that in a town this small because there's a lot of room for people to get hurt in that chase. That's upsetting," Blatz said.

Those who recognize the person or know any information about the incident should contact Wake Forest police at (919) 554-6150.