Shoplifting suspect tries to shoot police officer at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, cops say (Canton police via WOIO).
In a harrowing incident at an Ohio Walmart, a shoplifting suspect nearly escalated the situation to a life-threatening level when he attempted to shoot a police officer, only to be thwarted by a jammed firearm, according to police reports.
Footage from body cameras, accessed by Cleveland CBS affiliate WOIO, reveals the tense moments involving 21-year-old Shane Newman and his accomplice, 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey. The pair were apprehended after allegedly being caught shoplifting at a Walmart in Canton.
During a routine frisk, Newman assured the officer he was unarmed. While seated in a security office, Newman discreetly drew a gun from his bag and aimed it at the officer, as captured in the video.
Fortunately, the gun misfired when he pulled the trigger.
The situation quickly escalated when a loss prevention officer noticed the threat, shouted a warning, and engaged in a struggle with Newman to secure the weapon. Police officers then swiftly subdued and disarmed the suspect.
“He aimed it directly at me and attempted to fire,” the officer recounted in the body camera footage. “He tried to do it again.”
The officer was thankful for the loss prevention officer, saying he would put him up for an award. He also said he would have shot Newman but didn”t want to hit the Walmart employee as he wrestled the suspect for the gun.
A Walmart spokesperson hailed the actions of the employee.
“The safety and security of our customers and associates is always a top priority,” Jessie Carpenter, Walmart asset protection operations coach said in a statement to WOIO. “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.”
Court records show Newman is facing charges of attempted murder, felonious assaulting an officer, robbery and aggravated possession of drugs. Newman reportedly had about 50 molly pills. He’s in the Stark County Jail on a $1 million bond. Jeffrey stands accused of complicitly to commit robbery and remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.
Their next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.
“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard told the TV station. “Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community.”
