A 21-year-old man has been arrested in Ohio after allegedly attempting to shoot a police officer inside a Walmart loss prevention office, according to local authorities.
Canton Police said the incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. at a Walmart located on Atlantic Boulevard NE, where officers had responded to a report of suspected shoplifting. The officer was inside the store’s loss prevention office with two individuals identified as Shane Newman, 21, and Katerina Jeffrey, 23.
Police allege that during questioning, Newman suddenly pulled out a handgun and attempted to fire it at the officer’s head. The weapon, however, did not discharge.
Authorities said a Walmart asset protection associate immediately intervened, tackling Newman before he could attempt to fire the weapon again. The officer then restrained Newman and placed him under arrest.
Body camera footage from the incident reportedly captures the officer stating that he refrained from using his firearm due to concerns about the safety of the Walmart employee who was on top of the suspect at the time.
In a statement, Walmart emphasised its commitment to safety.
“The safety and security of our customers and associates is always a top priority,” said Jessie Carpenter, Walmart Asset Protection Operations Coach. “We’re proud of the brave action our asset protection associate took to maintain the safety of everyone in our store. We’ll continue to work with police as they investigate.”
Further details regarding the charges against Newman and the role of the second individual were not immediately disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing.
