ABILENE, TX — An Abilene duo is accused of robbing a used clothing store, shooting at witnesses, and leading police on a chase that ended with a manhunt.
According to police, Timothy Lanham Lutz, 28, and Leigha Juanay Marderosian, 31, robbed Plato’s Closet around 1:45 p.m. Sunday.
Two witnesses in the parking lot told police they saw Lutz — armed with a shotgun — stealing items from the store.
When a employee confronted Lutz, he pointed his shotgun at them.
Lutz and Marderosian took off and got in a tan, 2009 Nissan Altima.
The two witnesses from the parking lot followed the Altima while on the phone with 911.
According to police, Marderosian got in the driver’s seat and “intentionally drove aggressively at the witness’ vehicle.”
Lutz leaned over her and fired the shotgun, striking the witness’ vehicle.
When police caught up with the Altima, Marderosian led them on “a dangerous chase.”
The chase involved Abilene police, Taylor County deputies and the Department of Public Safety.
The suspects eventually crashed on CR 632 in Buffalo Gap, but got out an ran.
They were arrested with the assistance of a K-9 Unit.
Police said the Altima was stolen Wednesday from a trailer park next to Abilene Country Club.
During the chase, another witness saw the shotgun being thrown from the car. Police recovered it.
Police said Lutz caused about about $1,000 in damage to the interview room during questioning.
He was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal mischief, theft of property and evading arrest.
His bond was set at $200,000.
Marderosian was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest.
Her bond was set at $150,000.
