Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- What started as a couple's argument in the parking lot of a Buford Wal-Mart escalated to a harrowing ride through a busy shopping district and, eventually, felony charges, authorities said.

Norcross resident Lakisha Middleton, 22, is charged with driving her 2001 Toyota Echo nearly three miles on Buford Drive with her boyfriend, Mark Jordan, 22, on the vehicle's roof.

For his part, police claim Jordan punched a hole in the vehicle's

windshield while in motion, as the couple's 2-year-old son was seated in the back.

The fracas started the evening of Jan. 14 at a 3796 Buford Drive Wal-Mart Supercenter, where Jordan works, and ended at Interstate 85, where Middleton stopped and allowed him back in the vehicle, according to a police report.

Jordan told police he jumped on the car to thwart his girlfriend from leaving without him; Middleton said she "was afraid for her life" during the ordeal, the report says.

The couple live together on Windscape Village Lane in Norcross, where officers responded to find Jordan's hand bleeding. Medical personnel treated Jordan at the scene, and the couple agreed not to press charges, the report says.

The following day, Middleton had a change of heart.

She reportedly called police to prosecute Jordan on charges of second-degree criminal damage to property -- her windshield -- and third-degree child cruelty, in that the toddler witnessed the altercation.

Police later added charges against Middleton of aggravated assault with an offensive object -- her vehicle -- and third-degree child cruelty. Warrants for both were issued last weekend.

Arrested Wednesday, Jordan remains at the Gwinnett County Jail on $5,350 bond. Middleton had not been arrested as of Thursday afternoon.