Macon man arrested following shoplifting, altercation with law enforcement

Deputies responded to the Family Dollar at 3190 Mercer University Drive in Macon in reference to a report of shoplifting.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon man was arrested in connection with theft by shoplifting Wednesday, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

The Macon-Bibb E911 center received a call at 8:39 a.m. April 1.

Deputies responded to the Family Dollar at 3190 Mercer University Drive in Macon in reference to a report of shoplifting.

According to a news release, witnesses reported that the suspect left the store on foot, heading west on Mercer University Drive. While en route, deputies saw the suspect nearby on Woodrow Place, and the suspect fled.

The deputy pursued the suspect and gave loud verbal commands to stop, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy deployed a Taser to apprehend the suspect, but it was unsuccessful.

The suspect became combative with the deputy. The deputy restrained the suspect until an additional deputy arrived, and then both deputies apprehended the suspect without further incident.

The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as 68-year-old Burnice Freeman of Macon. Freeman was found in possession of the merchandise taken from the business.

Freeman was transported to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center and charged with theft by shoplifting, felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer and simple battery of a law enforcement officer.

Freeman was also wanted in Monroe County. He is being held without bond.