A Troy man and woman have been arrested on charges of second-degree robbery in connection with a shoplifting that escalated into physical violence according to Troy police.

Martinez Rodriquez Evans, 26, and Shireeca Lashion Thomas, 27, were arrested in Madison County, Florida Monday on one charge each.

“The charges stem from a theft that occurred on January 1, 2018 at a retail store in the 1400 block of U.S. Highway 231 South,” said Troy Police Chief Randall Barr. “Evans and Thomas attempted to exit the store with merchandise when they were approached by an employee attempting to verify their purchase. Video evidence shows Evans pushing the employee to the ground and both he and Thomas walk out of the store with the property.”

Barr said investigators found evidence on social media that the pair were in Florida and contacted the local authorities, who arrested both individuals and held them for Troy police.

Evans and Thomas both remain within the Pike County Jail, each on a $25,000 bond. Second-degree robbery is a Class B Felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.