Derry Township Police Department Announces Arrests in Connection with Retail Theft/Robbery Incident

The Derry Township Police Department is pleased to announce the arrest of two individuals in connection with a Retail Theft/Robbery incident that occurred on August 20, 2022, at the Old Navy store located at the Tanger Outlets.

During the investigation, it was determined that two female suspects had removed merchandise from the store without paying for any of the items, totaling approximately $2,500. As the suspects exited the store, a female patron realized what was occurring and followed the suspects to their vehicle. The suspects noticed that the patron was photographing their vehicle on her cell phone and one of the suspects pursued the patron on foot through the parking lot.

The patron was assaulted by the female suspect, who also ripped her necklace and bracelet off of her body and stole the patron's cell phone. In an attempt to get her cell phone back, the patron followed the suspect back to the vehicle where a struggle over the cellphone ensued, and the victim was held in the vehicle by the suspect as the vehicle began to drive away, dragging the victim. The patron sustained visible injuries from being assaulted.

The suspects fled the area in the vehicle prior to police arrival. Although the suspects had been captured on surveillance video and bystanders' cell phone cameras, their identities were not immediately known.

Detectives from the Derry Township Police Department Criminal Investigations Section conducted the investigation and followed up on multiple leads over the next few years. Recently, through a similar investigation, the investigating detective was able to positively identify the suspects as Keiara Danniel Stokes and Teyona Myesha Griffith of Maryland.

Arrest warrants were issued for both suspects through Magisterial District Court Judge Dominic Pelino. Stokes was located, taken into custody without incident, and arraigned in front of MDJ Pelino on charges of Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Retail Theft, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Simple Assault.

Griffith has not been located at this time and is wanted on charges of Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Retail Theft, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Simple Assault.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Teyona Myesha Griffith is urged to contact the Derry Township Police Department at (717)534-2202 or submit an anonymous tip through the Derry Township Police Department Crime Watch app.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.