BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Three people are facing charges after Bowling Green Police stopped a stolen vehicle near a Kroger store on Sunday.
Officers located the stolen car in the Kroger parking lot at 350 U.S. 31-W Bypass and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of State Street and East Riverview Street.
The driver was identified as Ajahona Belk, 19, while Rue Chuol, 23, and Marcus Lawrence, 21, were passengers.
Conflicting Stories on Stolen Car
Belk claimed she was unaware the car was stolen and believed it belonged to Lawrence’s sister. Lawrence, however, told police he had borrowed the vehicle from a family member but did not return it as expected. He also admitted to driving it to Tennessee before coming back to Bowling Green.
Shoplifting at Kroger
Lawrence said Belk and Chuol had gone into Kroger to buy food for a “Friendsgiving” gathering. Surveillance footage, however, showed the pair entering an area without cameras, and when they left the store, they had no visible groceries.
Upon searching Chuol’s black backpack, officers discovered cheese and meat, which Chuol admitted to stealing.
Charges and Jail Status
Ajahona Belk: Charged with shoplifting and receiving stolen property ($1,000-$10,000). Released from jail.
Rue Chuol: Charged with shoplifting. Released from jail.
Marcus Lawrence: Charged with receiving stolen property ($1,000-$10,000). Remains in Warren County Regional Jail.
Bowling Green police are continuing their investigation into the stolen vehicle.