A 34-year-old Lafayette woman, identified as Tiffany Hope Carrington, was arrested on November 13th following a shoplifting incident and traffic stop that led to the discovery of drugs and additional charges.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the Wal-Mart on Highway 27 after store employees reported a shoplifter who had left the scene in a gold Toyota 4-Runner. The vehicle, displaying Georgia tag SLY8723, was registered to Carrington.

Store personnel told deputies that Carrington had entered the store, selected several items — including groceries and clothing — and then proceeded to the self-checkout where she scanned her grocery items but concealed unpaid merchandise among them. She then left the store without paying for the concealed goods.

Deputies searched the area and later located the suspect driving south on Highway 27. When officers attempted to make a traffic stop, Carrington continued onto Highway 27 North before eventually pulling over. Deputies reported that Carrington appeared nervous and attempted to conceal items inside her vehicle. After being asked to step out, Carrington refused commands and resisted when deputies attempted to take her into custody. She was eventually detained and placed under arrest.

During a search of her vehicle, deputies recovered several items that had not been paid for, along with a substance believed to be a Schedule IV drug and medications not stored in their original labeled containers. Deputies also learned that Carrington had two prior shoplifting convictions involving Wal-Mart locations in Carrollton and Bremen in 2022.

The stolen merchandise was returned to the store, and Carrington was transported to the Chattooga County Jail, where she was charged with:

  • Possession of Schedule IV Drugs

  • Theft by Shoplifting

  • Drugs Not in Original Container

  • Traffic Offenses

  • Obstruction of Officers

The Sheriff’s Office noted that the incident was captured on body-worn camera and that additional evidence, including store surveillance footage and social media images, helped confirm Carrington’s identity.

The case remains under investigation.