The deputy stayed on the phone with the Friendswood communications center as he followed the suspects from the parking lot. The suspect vehicle attempted to elude the deputy in the vicinity of FM 518 and FM 528. The deputy was following the suspects in an unmarked police car. He reported the suspect vehicle was speeding in excess of 70 mph eastbound on FM 528. The suspect vehicle was intercepted and stopped by Friendswood police in the 1400 block of FM 528 approximately three minutes later.
The deputy told Friendswood police that he was asked by store employees to assist in detaining the suspects when they initially exited the store. The deputy also stated that when he showed his badge to the suspect driver she fled the parking lot.
After stopping the vehicle, Friendswood police officers reportedly observed numerous grocery items in plain view inside of the vehicle. Store employees determined that the suspects had stolen $713 worth of groceries. Among the stolen items were food, alcoholic beverages and toys.
Charged with felony theft is Joyce Espinosa, 42, of Webster. John Espinosa, 17, of Webster and a 16-year-old juvenile female were charged with misdemeanor theft. The teens are Espinosa's children. Joyce and John Espinosa are currently being held at the Friendswood Municipal Jail pending transfer to the Galveston County Jail. The 16-year-old female was turned over to Galveston County juvenile authorities.
John Espinosa is being held on a $1,500 bond. Police say Joyce Espinosa is held on $60,000 bond due to her criminal history which includes convictions for robbery, auto theft and several counts of theft and narcotics.
