By Pat Culverhouse

Springhill police have arrested a 22-year-old woman who allegedly entered a residence while the victim slept, stole the keys to his vehicle then attempted to flee following a traffic stop.

Chief of Police Will Lynd said Hallie Watson, a resident of the 900 block Rosebud Loop, has been booked into the parish jail for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unauthorized entry, simple burglary and resisting an officer as a result of the Saturday incident. Her bond has been set at $30,500.

Springhill officer Amandia Hamilton reportedly investigated a complaint that an elderly man’s pickup had been taken while he slept. The victim reportedly identified Watson as the person who came into his residence, took his keys and cellphone and left in his vehicle.

According to the victim’s statement, Watson left a note saying she would be back at a specific time and asked that police not be called. When the suspect did not return, the victim reported the theft.

After talking with the victim, Hamilton reportedly received word from Springhill dispatchers that a vehicle matching the one being sought was seen swerving into a ditch while heading into the city.

When the officer located the vehicle and turned on the unit’s emergency lights, the suspect stopped the pickup, exited and attempted to flee on foot. Watson reportedly was apprehended following a brief chase. After being advised of her rights, Watson reportedly admitted she entered the apartment and took the cellphone, keys and truck.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.