A routine shoplifting report at a Canton, Ohio, Walmart turned into a potentially deadly encounter Thursday when a suspect allegedly tried to fire a gun at a police officer.
The weapon malfunctioned, and a store security employee intervened, preventing serious injury.
Police were called after employees reported two individuals, later identified as 21-year-old Shane Newman and 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey, attempting to leave the store with unpaid merchandise.
Store staff detained the pair and escorted them to the loss prevention office to wait for law enforcement.
Initial footage from the officer’s body camera depicted a calm exchange, with Newman and Jeffrey sitting as the officer conducted a routine search.
Newman voluntarily produced a small container that was later confirmed to contain illegal drugs. During the questioning, Jeffrey reportedly asked if they would be arrested.
Moments later, according to authorities, Newman drew a firearm from a shoulder bag and pointed it at the officer. Both trigger attempts failed to discharge.
A Walmart security worker immediately intervened, lunging to disarm Newman. Despite the second trigger attempt, the employee successfully knocked the weapon away, allowing the officer to subdue Newman with additional assistance.
Other responding officers arrived shortly thereafter to secure the scene.
In recorded comments, the officer described the confrontation.
“He pulls the gun out, points it at my head, and pulls the trigger. It doesn’t go off,” he said, according to FOX 8.
He later drew his own firearm but refrained from shooting, concerned about striking the security personnel assisting him.
Authorities confirmed that Newman had an active warrant and was classified as “armed and dangerous,” information that was not discovered until shortly before the attempted shooting.
Court documents indicate Newman now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, felonious assault on a police officer, robbery, aggravated drug possession and weapons under disability.
Bond for Newman has been set at $1 million.
Jeffrey was charged with complicity to commit robbery and possession of ammunition while under disability after officers discovered two 9mm rounds in her pocket. Both suspects remain in custody at Stark County Jail.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard highlighted the peril law enforcement officers face daily and praised the swift actions that prevented tragedy.
“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection,” he said. “Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community.”
Authorities credited both the malfunctioning firearm and the quick intervention of the Walmart security employee with preventing serious injury or death.
Investigators continue to examine the events to determine any additional factors that could improve security and officer safety protocols in similar scenarios.
The incident underscores the challenges retail employees and law enforcement face when dealing with potentially armed suspects.
Rapid decision-making, coordinated action and vigilance were critical in preventing a lethal outcome, demonstrating the high stakes of even seemingly routine theft reports.
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