Woman arrested after dragging St. Johns deputy with her vehicle

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — A woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon after she allegedly dragged a St. Johns County Sheriff's Office deputy with a gold Chevy Impala on Monday night in the parking lot of Winn-Dixie on U.S. 1 after he confronted her about alleged shoplifting.

Tonita Ann Jones, 44, is charged with resisting arrest with violence and driving on a suspended license, according to a release from SJSO Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw.

Another woman who was with Jones in the vehicle as a passenger was identified, cooperated with detectives and she faces charges of petit retail theft.

The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. Monday night when the two women entered the Winn-Dixie in the 3500 block of U.S. 1 North, according to a release from SJSO Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw.

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Store employees stopped Deputy Aaron Braddock, who was off duty but in uniform, to inform him that the women were allegedly shoplifting. The deputy found the women, who were getting into a gold Chevy Impala, Kelshaw said.

Braddock talked to Jones in the open door of the vehicle, at which point Jones said she had nothing to say and put the vehicle in reverse rapidly, Kelshaw said. Braddock had to run/walk backwards to avoid being hit by the vehicle.

When Jones put the vehicle into drive, Braddock was dragged 25 feet, as his gun was caught in the seatbelt. Braddock was able to free himself from the seatbelt, which caused him to slide on his back for 20 additional feet.

Braddock was treated and released at the scene.

Brian Wright, Bi-Lo Holdings Vice President of Communications & Government Relations, released the following statement on behalf of Winn-Dixie:

"We thank Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Braddock for his heroic efforts yesterday, and we are grateful for all public service members who protect and serve our communities."

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