“Shoplifting Suspect Ashley Nicole Baker Crashes SUV with Children Inside: Forest Acres Police”

Shoplifting suspect accused of fleeing police before crashing with children inside

Image: Forest Acres Police Department

Forest Acres, SC (WOLO)– The Forest Acres Police Department has released new details regarding a pursuit involving a suspected shoplifter who allegedly led them on a chase through the city before crashing her SUV with her four young children inside.

According to an incident report obtained by ABC Columbia News, the suspect, now identified as 37-year-old Ashley Nicole Baker, is accused of taking the police on a pursuit that began in the Trenholm Plaza parking lot, which houses the Sephora and Bath and Body Works stores authorities say she stole from.

Officials state that they were able to locate Baker driving a 2015 black Honda Pilot based on eyewitness reports. However, when the police attempted to stop her, she not only refused to comply with the lights and activated sirens, but also continued leading the police on a citywide chase through several side streets. FAPD’s incident report reveals that at times Baker was observed driving as fast as 72 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. Authorities state that the pursuing officer positioned his vehicle in front of the SUV to slow her down, but Baker made a U-turn and started driving in the opposite direction.

A short distance later, officials say the officer drove alongside Baker’s SUV. They claim that she attempted to drive into the officer’s lane, resulting in a side-swipe collision with his cruiser. When the officer slowed down, Baker allegedly veered off the road and drove onto the sidewalk. Eventually, she lost control of her car, hitting a light pole, flipping over a brick barrier, and landing on the roof of the vehicle in a resident’s front yard.

Police report that Baker and all four of her children, aged 13 and younger, managed to climb out of the car with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. Baker, who was detained, was taken to the hospital along with her children for evaluation.

Forest Acres Police Chief Don Robinson released a statement regarding the incident, stating, “It is miraculous that these four children walked away from this accident. Incidents like these also endanger the lives of our officers. Rest assured, we will be considering potential charges that uphold the fullest extent of the law.”

After inspecting Baker’s car, The Forest Acres Police Department discovered merchandise allegedly stolen from both stores, with a total value exceeding $800, along with a small mason jar containing 5 grams of marijuana. Baker has been charged with four counts of child neglect, two counts of shoplifting, and failure to stop for blue lights.