According to a Dalton Police Department incident report, On May 31st, 2023, at 9:22 AM, Officer Ellenburg responded to the Walmart located at 815 Shugart Road in reference to a shoplifting in progress. The complainant’s loss prevention associate stated that he had two individuals that were attempting to leave the store with stolen property. Officer Ellenburg made contact with Paul Lancaster and a female Amanda Lea Beck, 45, both of St. Louis, Missouri, sitting on a bench inside of the loss prevention office. The associate then showed video footage of Paul and Amanda filling shopping bags full of items and then walking past all points of sale without paying for the items. Paul stated that he and Amanda were just passing through St. Louis, Missouri, to Newnan, GA, stating that he was starting a new job in Newnan. Paul stated they ran out of gas on I-75 and did not have any money, so they walked to Walmart and shoplifted. Paul and Amanda admitted that they both concealed the items, and the intention was to steal the items and then bring them back into the store and try to return them for the cash so they could get gas for their vehicle. The loss prevention associate confirmed that they both had been banned from Walmart after being caught shoplifting. Both were transported to the Whitfield County Jail and booked for shoplifting and criminal trespass.
Missouri couple arrested after running out gas on I-75 and then shoplifting from Dalton Walmart
