WILKES-BARRE TWP., Pa. — Kierra Daijanae Rooks, 27, was arrested on Sunday after a series of events that escalated from retail theft to a high-speed police chase. According to Wilkes-Barre Township police, Rooks was first detained at 4:13 p.m. after allegedly stealing $143 worth of merchandise from Walmart Supercenter. After being processed and issued citations for retail theft and public drunkenness, she was released into the care of sober adults around 5:10 p.m.
However, just 40 minutes later, Rooks reportedly stole a vehicle from the same individuals who had picked her up from the police station. Police were called to Metcalf Street to assist with an unresponsive woman, where they learned Rooks had taken the vehicle.
As officers responded, Rooks returned to Metcalf Street, driving the stolen car at high speed and nearly striking both the adults and emergency medical technicians. Police managed to box her in, but Rooks crashed the vehicle into a utility pole and a parked car, ending the pursuit.
Rooks resisted arrest and struggled with officers when detained. She also refused to submit to a blood test after being transported to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
Rooks, whose addresses are listed as Kingston and California, faces a long list of charges, including aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude police, theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, DUI, reckless driving, and driving without a license. She was arraigned by District Judge Carol A. Davenport and is being held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail.
