Shoplifters identified – driver located and arrested

Historic City News has been informed that a St. Johns County woman was arrested earlier today, ending a manhunt for two women accused of dragging an off-duty deputy through the Winn-Dixie parking lot on US-1 North.

Within hours of the violent incident, following an all-points bulletin and news releases to the media, the two women had been identified, the getaway car had been located and impounded, and the driver of the vehicle was soon to be in custody.

Today, 44-year-old Tonita Ann Jones who resides at 150 Hurst Street in St Augustine, was arrested at her home and charged with resisting arrest with violence, a felony crime, and driving on a suspended license, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s office.  She remains in custody in lieu of $11,000 bond.

The victim, Deputy Aaron Braddock, was shopping at the Winn-Dixie at about 5:30 p.m. Monday when an employee told him two women had stolen meat from the store. Braddock found the suspects in a gold Chevrolet Impala in the parking lot. Braddock approached and asked Jones about the shoplifting. She told him that she had nothing to say.

The report says Jones, who was standing in the car’s open doorway, was caught by the door when Jones threw the vehicle into reverse and began backing up rapidly. The driver shifted direction of travel, moving forward, causing Braddock’s firearm to be caught in the seatbelt. Braddock was dragged about 25-feet by the vehicle before he was able to free himself from the belt. Braddock slid for another 20-feet on his back before he collided with a parked car.

Braddock received minor injuries.

Brian Wright, Bi-Lo Holdings vice president of communications and government relations issued an official statement thanking Braddock.

“We thank Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Braddock for his heroic efforts yesterday, and we are grateful for all public service members who protect and serve our communities,” the statement said.

The Impala was located Monday evening and impounded. The unidentified passenger was also located and charged with retail theft, but not arrested on the misdemeanor charge.