The Spotyslvania Sheriff's Office credited people from a homeless camp with assisting additional responding units to help an unconscious deputy following a shoplifting case at a local Walmart.

The four suspects in the shoplifting case were arrested Sunday. 

Dawn Ray White, 36, of Spotsylvania; Olivia Frances Monk, 26, of Caroline County; Erica Lorraine Gaines, 34, of Fredericksburg; and Percil Scott, 29, of no fixed address, were all charged with felony shoplifting and conspiracy to commit larceny.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Walmart located in the 10000 block of Southpoint Parkway Sunday at 12:15 p.m. for a felony shoplifting report. Walmart loss prevention had one suspect in custody and three others had fled the scene, said Spotyslvania Sheriff's Office Capt. Mike Harvey.

"While checking the area Deputy Boone located the male suspect in the American Family Fitness who fled out the back door of this business," said Harvey in a release. "A foot pursuit ensued and two additional females were taken into custody. While these females where taken back to Wal-Mart other deputies responded to the area in an attempt to locate the male. After an extensive search Deputy James Harney marked in foot pursuit with the male behind American Family Fitness."

Harvey said the suspect fled into a heavily wooded area with steep terrain.

"As Deputy Harney was radioing the direction of the suspect he was pursuing he began to suffer from heat exhaustion and was able to activate his emergency button before he went unconscious," said Harvey. 

Two deputies located Harney a few minutes later and found him unconscious, but breathing. 

"They were assisted by several individuals who live in a homeless camp in the area," said Harvey. "These individuals were able to direct additional responding units greatly helping Deputy Harney get the assistance he needed."

Harney is recovering at Mary Washington Hospital.

Harvey said the male suspect in the shoplifting was apprehended with the assistance of the Virginia State Police. 

"The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Virginia State Police, the Fredericksburg Police Department, and the bystanders who helped us locate and treat Deputy Harney during what could have had a completely different outcome," said Harvey. 

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