Two suspects arrested after shoplifting incident, pursuit in Massillon

A man and woman wanted in connection with multiple thefts and police pursuits across Stark County were arrested over the weekend following a shoplifting incident at a Dollar General in Massillon.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8:20 p.m., officers from the Massillon Police Department were dispatched to the Dollar General at 2150 Wales Road NE after reports of a disturbance involving shoplifting. According to the caller, the suspects were seen leaving in a white SUV, with one brandishing a gun after the reporting person attempted to take a picture of the vehicle’s license plate.

Upon arrival, officers were aware of a prior be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alert for a white Volkswagen connected to suspects Bryant Keith Williamson and Kareena Marie Madison. Both were wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies in Stark County for several thefts and fleeing from police, including damaging cruisers during pursuits leading up to Sept. 14.

Shortly after the initial report, Massillon officers located the suspect vehicle at the Marathon Bell Stores at 108 Lake Ave. NE. The vehicle fled from police, traveling southbound on State Route 21 before exiting at Erie Street. Officers pursued the vehicle to Central Court SE, where it became trapped, leaving the suspects with no means of escape. Madison was detained at the scene, but Williamson fled on foot. A K-9 search of the area was unsuccessful.

The following morning, on Sunday, Sept. 15, just after 9 a.m., Massillon officers spotted Williamson in the 1200 block of 16th Street SE. With assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Jackson, Perry, and Navarre, officers set up a perimeter and apprehended Williamson without incident as he was found hiding near an apartment complex.

Both suspects remain in the Stark County Jail, facing multiple charges, with several more charges pending.

“The safety and security of our citizens remain our utmost priority,” the Massillon Police Department said in a statement. “Our resolve to protect and serve is steadfast, and we remain vigilant in our duty to uphold law and order.”