Two arrested after shoplifting spree in Watertown

Just before 7 p.m. on Thursday, the Watertown Police Department were called out to two businesses due to multiple reports of shoplifting. The two suspects fled from Running’s and Tractor Supply Company in a black Ford Fusion with North Dakota plates, according to a report.

The police officers determined the Ford Fusion was reported stolen from Fargo, North Dakota. A South Dakota Highway Patrolman located the Ford Fusion turning south onto Interstate 29. The vehicle came to a stop, and the male driver fled from the scene. He was on foot for approximately 90 minutes before he was located in St. Mary’s Cemetery by a Codington County Sheriff’s Deputy. The male had climbed onto a building and was unable to climb down. Watertown Fire Rescue responded to help the male get down. The male was cooperative as he came down and was taken into custody by the Watertown Police Department.

The 36-year-old male driver is from Colorado, as is the 46-year-old female passenger. The male was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. The woman was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both individuals are being held at the Codington County Detention Center.

The Watertown Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. The South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Codington County Sheriff’s Office and Watertown Fire Rescue helped with the case.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Watertown Police arrest two in St. Mary's Cemetery