LEXINGTON, Ky (LEX 18) Some UK and Lexington Police Officers jumped into action Thursday, chasing a couple of thieves.
Police said it all began at the UK Student Center when an employee at the Barnes and Noble reported two men stealing merchandise and then leaving the store. Soon after, a foot chase began near East Maxwell and before long, UK Police Officer Holly Williams and Lexington police were close to the alleged thieves.
Officers said that Michael Hocker and Darnell Jackson were running with backpacks full of UK merchandise worth $1,400.
"There was a man that was running down the sidewalk and he dropped a backpack," said witness Ashley Baggett.
The chase ended near the downtown YMCA where police said that Jackson decided to take a big jump from a 15 foot wall, and UK Officer Holly Williams followed.
Williams is okay but has a few elbow scratches. She is used to high jumped from her basketball days.
"It never hurts to hire athletes, we’re pretty fortunate she keeps herself in shape. Good she does have that background," said Maj. Nathan Brown with the UK Police Department.
Hocker and Jackson face felony shoplifting charges, along with fleeing and evading police.
