A woman who was seen riding a bicycle down the highway while topless has been accused of stealing from a clothing store near the location that she was apprehended.
On September 19, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible theft that had taken place at the Surfside Outfitters clothing and souvenir store in Ft. Walton Beach.
An employee said that a woman had come into the establishment and put on a pair of flip flop sandals that were on display for $19.99. She then allegedly took another piece of merchandise and put it inside of the bag she was carrying before she left the store without paying for the items. It was reported that the alleged thief had been using a bicycle as her mode of transportation.
A short time later, a handful of people had notified 911 about a woman riding a bicycle in what appeared to be an unsafe manner on the east side of U.S. Highway 98.
Deputies found the woman in question and reported that she was topless while pedaling down the highway.
When they approached in their vehicle and tried to get her to stop the bike, she allegedly taunted them saying, “make me,” before continuing her two-wheeled attempted escape.
After pulling their vehicle into the path of the rider she was forced to halt, and then identified as 32-year-old Courtney Backes.
The deputies placed Backes under arrest, and it was recorded in the police report that they found the allegedly stolen goods in the bag. Ironically, one of the items was a $25 tee shirt.
Backes, who is expected to face charges for suspicion of misdemeanor retail theft, and misdemeanor resisting arrest without violence, was booked into the county jail overnight until she satisfied a $1,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.