ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 13, 1996 TAG: 9602130111
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BEDFORD
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER STAFF WRITER
A Bedford man suspected of shoplifting from the Wal-Mart on U.S. 460 led a sheriff's deputy on a frantic foot chase Sunday night that ended in front of a moving car.
Edward Lewis Bryant, 37, suffered a broken arm and minor head injuries after running into the path of a car that was traveling on U.S. 460 at about 50 mph, said Lt. Kent Robey of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy J.E. Watson was unharmed.
The chase started about 7:30 p.m. after a Wal-Mart manager stopped two men who were leaving the store and accused them of shoplifting electronics, compact discs and clothing, Robey said. One man handed the manager some merchandise, then both men took off running.
Watson, who was eating dinner at a restaurant in the same shopping center, received a radio call and ran across the parking lot after the two men, Robey said.
Charges are pending against Bryant, Robey said.
Donny Lilley, 27, also of Bedford, was arrested as he came out of the restroom of the Long John Silver's restaurant on U.S. 460. Restaurant employees had phoned the Sheriff's Office and said a man ran into the bathroom carrying a gun, but no gun was found, Robey said.
Lilley was identified by the Wal-Mart manager and charged with shoplifting, police said. Merchandise taken from Wal-Mart was found underneath a trailer in the parking lot.
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