Nassau County Sheriff’s Office detectives said they broke up an organized retail theft operation targeting high-value LEGO sets after an investigation at a Target store in Yulee expanded into a multi-county case.

Investigators said suspects repeatedly stole LEGO sets from the Target on State Road 200, loading shopping carts and fleeing through emergency exits to waiting vehicles. The thefts occurred on Aug. 18, Aug. 26, and the following Saturday, according to authorities.

Detectives identified Ronald Lorne Tipton as a suspect. On Monday, Tipton allegedly entered a nearby Walmart, selected 12 LEGO sets and fled after being confronted by asset protection staff.

An investigator later spotted Tipton driving a U-Haul. Authorities said he attempted to escape and struck the detective’s arm with the truck’s open door, triggering a pursuit through Fernandina Beach.

The chase ended near Sadler Road when a deputy pinned the U-Haul against a tree in a CVS parking lot. Deputies arrested Tipton and Jessica Underwood, recovering suspected methamphetamine, crack cocaine and fentanyl from the passenger floorboard.

Authorities also recovered more than $3,000 worth of stolen merchandise in Nassau County. Investigators said losses connected to the broader operation across Northeast Florida exceed $20,000, though officials have not disclosed where the merchandise was allegedly being resold or whether additional suspects are involved.

Sheriff Bill Leeper credited detectives and law enforcement partners for connecting the thefts across multiple locations.

Tipton faces charges including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated fleeing with injury or damage, coordinating others in retail theft over $3,000, dealing in stolen property, possession of controlled substances, and driving under the influence. Underwood was booked on unrelated drug charges.