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Police: Man stole items, crashed while fleeing

Police say a Harrisburg man attempted to steal $900 worth of merchandise from a store at the Fairlane Village Mall on Friday, then caused a crash that injured a woman while trying to flee.

Michael Scott Felton, 43, also led police on a foot chase through a department store at the mall before surrendering.The incident occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29, according to state police.That was when Felton was allegedly observed on video surveillance attempting to take a $700 vacuum along with assorted clothing items from the Kohl’s store at Fairlane Village.Police said Felton parked his car outside the rear of the store prior to the theft. After he grabbed the merchandise, instead of paying, he ran out the stockroom doors of the store and jumped into the waiting car. But his well-planned getaway ended quickly. While attempting to leave the mall property at a high rate of speed, Felton ran a stop sign, according to police, striking another vehicle.Felton’s vehicle was disabled.Instead of checking on the other driver, Felton ran through the nearby Boscov’s department store while being pursued, before heading toward the nearby Lowe’s Home Improvement store. A Captain from the Schuylkill County Sheriff’s Department took him into custody there.The driver of the other vehicle, identified as Janet Vesay of Minersville, sustained injuries in the crash, according to state police. She was wearing a seatbelt. She declined to be transported to a local hospital by ambulance.Police identified the items Felton stole as a Dyson upright vacuum (valued at $699.99), a Rock and Republic jacket ($89.99), Levi’s Jeans ($58) Converse shoes ($49.99), and pajama pants ($11.99).Officers from Saint Clair and Palo Alto Police Departments also assisted in the chase.Felton was sent to Schuylkill County Prison for video arraignment. He is currently being held on $25,000 straight bail.