Shoplifter Flees from Police, Gets Hit by Car

A St. Petersburg man is in critical condition after being hit by a minivan after allegedly fleeing from police from Tyrone Square Mall. 

Keegan Curry, 25, had been stopped outside JCPenney for shoplifting by a loss
prevention officer. According to the police report, Curry pushed away from the loss prevention officer, stating, "I'm not going back to prison" and took off on foot, northbound across the parking lot. The loss prevention officer and a bystander gave chase.

Curry, police said, then darted out onto Tyrone Boulevard, managing to miss several Southeast-bound vehicles.  The subject crossed the median and ran into the northwest-bound lane, into the path of a 2005 Chrysler minivan being driven by Delma Booth.

Booth, 81, swerved to the right, minimizing the contact with the subject; however, Curry was struck by the left front fender and windshield, before being thrown to the pavement, police said.

According to the police report, two stolen shirts were found tucked into Curry's pants as he was being treated by rescue personnel.

Police said Curry was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in life threatening condition. Booth and her passengers were showered with shattered glass, but their injuries were very minor.

Curry has a lengthy criminal history of dealing in stolen property and theft, according to Pinellas County Jail records. Dating back to 2006, Curry has been in Pinellas County Jail 10 times. 

He has previously been arrested and charged with dealing in stolen property (twice), scheme to defraud, domestic battery, battery, retail theft (four times) and grand theft.