A Spring Hill man accused of trying to shop lift more than $1,000 worth of merchandise ended up in the hospital Sunday after getting in an altercation with a K-9 deputy, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office says.
- Spring Hill man took deputies on early morning chase Sunday
- Anthony Edwards is accused of trying to steal 120 items
- Deputies utilized K-9 units; Edwards ended day with 18 stitches
At around 7 a.m., deputies say Anthony Loren Edwards stopped at Wal-Mart on Commercial Way in Spring Hill. He attempted to steal 120 items from the store, authorities said.
According to reports, Edwards left the scene when he was confronted by employees, running into a wooded area nearby. Authorities, including Deputy Brandon Cox and his K-9, Judge, were dispatched to the store.
Following Edwards' tracks, the pair traveled north to the neighboring Hernando County Water Treatment Facility on Osowaw Boulevard where they located the suspect.
Authorities say Deputy Cox and Deputy Joe Merando, who had also arrived on scene, gave Edwards multiple commands to stop running. When he refused, they sent K-9 Judge.
After being taken to Bayfront Spring Hill, Edwards was charged with Commercial Burglary, for entering the Hernando County Water Treatment Facility to elude arrest, and for reportedly helping himself to food and drink that were located in the building.
Edwards was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center. His bond was set at $13,000.
The items he originally tried to steal included jewelry, clothing, a hamper, gloves, a few key rings, several watches, a coloring book, gel pens, lip gloss, and numerous other miscellaneous items, totaling $1,597.93.