Accused shoplifter takes police on high-speed chase, crashes car in Millington

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A woman is accused of taking police on a high-speed chase after she was confronted for allegedly shoplifting at a Millington business.

According to reports, on Saturday at around 7 p.m., officers were responding to a shoplifting call at 8699 U.S. Highway 51, Burlington Coat Factory, when they noticed the accused woman sitting inside a car outside with its flashers on.

The woman, identified as Kristen McCutchen, was sitting in the backseat of the car and a man was seen in the front passenger seat.

Police say officers asked McCutchen to get out of the car and she complied. But, when officers explained to her that she was being detained for shoplifting, they say she jumped back into the car, climbed into the front driver’s seat, and tried to get the car to start.

Officers stood in front of the car and asked McCutchen to get out of the vehicle, but she refused and continued trying to start the car.

Reports say an officer pulled his gun and McCutchen started the vehicle. She backed the car up, nearly hitting the police unit parked behind her. She then put the car in drive and sped off, nearly striking the officer holding her at gunpoint.

McCutchen fled the scene on U.S. Highway 51 and turned onto Veterans Parkway. Police say she ran a red light and reached speeds over 100 mph in a 45 mph zone.

She eventually lost control of her car, drove into oncoming traffic, and crashed into a curb. McCutchen continued driving into a field, striking a ditch, which caused the vehicle to roll over.

Police say the car came to a stop, and neither of the two people inside were wearing seatbelts.

📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South .

📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

McCutchen was taken into custody and transported to Regional One Hospital with injuries. She also allegedly told officers she was under the influence of fentanyl and Xanax.

She is charged with Theft of Merch less than $1,000, Disorderly Conduct, Intentionally Evade Arrest in Auto, Resisting Official Detention, Driving While License S/R/C, Reckless Driving, Violation of Seatbelt Law over 18 years, and Aggravated Assault.

She is being held on a $40,000 bond.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.