Wareham Police arrest alleged shoplifter who also drove her vehicle into police cruiser

On Wednesday, July 24, at 2:09 p.m. Wareham Police were requested to respond to Rite-Aid at the Wareham Plaza for a shoplifting in progress. The shoplifter, described as a female fled the lot in a blue Nissan driving very erratically westbound on Marion Road just prior to the arrival of an officer.

After a few hours search, Officer Zina Kelsch located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Woods at Wareham apartment complex. After spotting the police cruiser, the suspect drove in reverse at a high rate of speed through the lot. The car collided with Officer Kelsch’s cruiser and for a few moments, both vehicles were hung up on each other on Swifts Beach Road. Officer Kelsch then ran to the car and attempted to open the door ordering the woman out. The suspect was able to free the vehicle and sped off onto Littleton Drive, where she abandoned the car and fled into the woods.

While multiple Wareham Police units were responding as back-up, Sergeant Kevin Reilly was involved in a serious collision with his cruiser at the corner of Swifts Beach Road and Marion Road. He was transported to Tobey Hospital with minor injuries. Other Wareham officers set up a perimeter, assisted by the State Police and the Plymouth County Sheriff’s office. After an extensive search Officers Christopher Corner and Joseph Cardoza located the suspect on Camardo Drive placing her under arrest. During a search of the suspect and vehicle, detectives discovered what was believed to be powder cocaine, crack cocaine, Suboxone, and Gabapentin. In addition, a digital scale and $921.00 cash was found by the officers. The stolen items from Rite-Aid valued at $28.66 were recovered as well.

Tammi L. Denwood, 41, of Randolph, is charged with the following.

• Shoplifting.
• Fail to stop for police.
• Negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
• Operating after suspension of driver’s license.
• Marked lanes violation.
• Disorderly conduct.
• Disturbing the peace.
• Resisting arrest.
• Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
• Two counts of possession of a Class “B” drug.
• Possession of a Class “E” drug.

She is expected to appear in Wareham District Court on Thursday morning.