A Trion woman arrested for shoplifting at the local Walmart now faces additional charges, including an outstanding warrant and allegations of attempting to slip out of hand restraints during her transport to jail.

According to a report from Deputy J. Reynolds, deputies responded to the Walmart located at 13427 Highway 27 around 9:48 p.m. on August 1, 2025, after store Asset Protection (AP) personnel reported a female shoplifter.

Upon Deputy Reynolds’ arrival, Walmart AP had already detained the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Lakisha Montera Watkins, in their office. Ms. Watkins was reportedly visibly upset and crying, initially admitting to taking pajamas valued at $2.00. Store surveillance cameras had allegedly captured her shoplifting on the current date, as well as the day prior.

During the investigation, Deputy Reynolds ran Ms. Watkins’ Georgia driver’s license number through dispatch, revealing an active warrant from Floyd County.

With the assistance of Trion Police Officer Claxton, Ms. Watkins was placed under arrest for Theft by Shoplifting, as Walmart opted to press charges. As officers escorted her from the store, Ms. Watkins reportedly began to slow her movement and yell at someone she knew in the parking lot. When Officer Claxton continued to escort her, she allegedly yelled at him for pulling her arm. Deputy Reynolds intervened, advising Ms. Watkins that cooperating could expedite her release, even with a misdemeanor charge, which reportedly led to Ms. Watkins immediately calming down.

However, the incident took another turn during Ms. Watkins’ transport to the Chattooga County Jail. Officer Claxton later informed Deputy Reynolds via text message that Ms. Watkins had managed to slip out of her hand restraints and admitted on camera that she did so intentionally.

Further investigation at the store, after receiving the receipt, revealed that Ms. Watkins had shoplifted a total of $71.84 worth of various goods, not just the pajamas she initially admitted to taking. Items Ms. Watkins had legitimately paid for were bagged and later transported by Deputy Reynolds to the Chattooga County Jail for her property.

Ms. Watkins remains incarcerated at the Chattooga County Jail, facing charges of Theft by Shoplifting, the outstanding Floyd County warrant, and potential new charges related to her actions during transport.