Melbourne police officer dragged by car while trying to stop shoplifters

Female duo stole from Bealls Outlet store, police say

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Two women suspected of shoplifting dragged a Melbourne police officer across a parking lot with their car, according to officials.

Police said Officer Joe Yorkey tried to stop the women Wednesday as they drove from the Bealls Outlet store on South Babcock Street, dragging the officer with them.

"I got really scared because I was at the school and everything," said Lexee Long, a student at neighboring Melbourne High School.  "When I was coming out of school, my mom picks me up over here, and I saw a bunch of cops and everything."

This incident comes just a few weeks after a similar incident. Melbourne police released photos of two women they suspect shoplifted more than $10,000 worth of Ralph Lauren men's clothing from the Macys at Melbourne Square Mall, which is about 2 miles away from the Bealls Outlet.  They're still at large.

In the Bealls store robbery, police investigators think they know who the women are but are not releasing their names.

Yorkey was being treated at a local hospital.  He was listed in stable condition.

A tweet from the Melbourne Police Department indicated he was going to be OK.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.