Shoplifter Pulls Gun on Police Officer at Ohio Walmart

Key Takeaways

• A dramatic incident occurred at a Canton, Ohio, Walmart where an accused shoplifter allegedly pulled a handgun on a police officer.
• The suspect, 21-year-old Shane C.L. Newman, was tackled by a store employee before he could open fire.
• The incident was captured on police body-camera video, which showed the events unfolding in the store’s loss prevention office.
• Newman was arrested on charges of attempt to commit murder, felonious assault of a peace officer, and possession of drugs.
• A 23-year-old woman was also taken into custody and charged with complicity to commit robbery.

Introduction to the Incident
The incident unfolded on Thursday at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, where an accused shoplifter allegedly pulled a handgun on a police officer. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Shane C.L. Newman, and a female companion were being held in a back office by an off-duty Canton police officer. The officer was working a security detail at the store and had stopped Newman and the woman at the front door, suspecting them of shoplifting. The two were then escorted to the store’s loss prevention office, where the incident escalated.

The Events Unfolding
Police body-camera video showed store employees stopping Newman and the woman at the front door of the Walmart and then escorting them to the store’s loss prevention office. Inside the office, a police officer conducted a partial pat-down search of Newman, asking if he had anything on him that could poke or stab him. After conducting the search, the officer told Newman and his female companion to sit on a metal bench inside the office. As the officer radioed in their names to confirm their identities, Newman turned to his side and reached into a pouch he had on him, which the officer had apparently missed during the search. Newman then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer, but the gun did not fire.

The Heroic Actions of the Store Employee
The footage showed a Walmart loss prevention employee lunging for the gun and tackling Newman before he could open fire. After a brief struggle, Newman was handcuffed by the police officer, who immediately called for backup. The officer’s quick thinking and the store employee’s bravery likely prevented a tragic outcome. The incident highlights the risks that police officers and store employees face when dealing with potentially violent suspects. Canton Police Chief John Gabbard praised the officers and the store employee, saying, "This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection."

The Aftermath of the Incident
In the aftermath of the incident, the officer told a sergeant who responded to the store that the suspect had allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at his head, pulling the trigger, but it did not fire. The officer explained that he had patted Newman down but missed the pouch containing the handgun. The officer added that he was about to release Newman and the woman, as it seemed like a minor incident, but the situation quickly escalated. Newman was arrested on charges of attempt to commit murder, felonious assault of a peace officer, and possession of drugs. The 23-year-old woman was taken into custody along with Newman and charged with complicity to commit robbery.

Conclusion and Reflection
The incident at the Canton, Ohio, Walmart serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by police officers and store employees. The bravery and quick thinking of the store employee and the police officer likely prevented a tragic outcome. The incident also highlights the importance of thorough searches and vigilance when dealing with potentially violent suspects. As the investigation continues, the community is left to reflect on the events that unfolded and the heroic actions of those involved. The incident will likely have a lasting impact on the community, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and appreciating the men and women who serve and protect us.