High-Speed Pursuit on I-85 Ends with Arrest of Five Teens for Auburn Retail Theft

AUBURN, Alabama — Five teenagers from Montgomery, Alabama, were arrested on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, after allegedly executing thefts at two local businesses, fleeing from law enforcement in a vehicle, and crashing into police cruisers before finally being stopped on Interstate 85.

The incident began when Auburn Police officers responded to reports of retail thefts at two separate establishments: one located in the 700 block of East Glenn Avenue, and another in the 300 block of South College Street. Witnesses provided a description of the suspects and their getaway vehicle, which officers spotted a short time later in the 300 block of North Donahue Drive.

When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit. The suspect vehicle fled recklessly through Auburn, striking multiple police cruisers and causing significant damage in a desperate attempt to evade capture. The chase eventually spilled onto Interstate 85 Northbound.

The pursuit came to an end near mile marker 31 on I-85, where officers successfully boxed in the vehicle. All five occupants were immediately detained without further incident. Police recovered stolen merchandise from the vehicle and confirmed that no officers or bystanders were injured during the chase.

Three young adults were arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail: Brooklyn Janae Denson, 19, charged with first-degree retail theft, attempting to elude law enforcement, and obstructing justice by giving a false identity; Char'Myia Mitchell, 19, charged with first-degree retail theft and obstructing justice; and Tyrese Smith, 18, charged with first-degree retail theft. Two juvenile accomplices, aged 16 and 17, were also charged with retail theft and subsequently released into the custody of their guardians.