In a chilling incident at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, a shoplifting suspect attempted to shoot a police officer, but the gun malfunctioned, leading to a dramatic disarmament by a store employee and the officer. The suspect, Shane Newman, 21, has been charged with attempted murder among other offenses.
On Thursday afternoon, Canton police officers were called to the Walmart store following reports of shoplifting. They apprehended two individuals: Shane Newman and Katerina Jeffrey, both from the local area. The suspects were taken to the store’s loss prevention office for processing, a standard procedure in such cases.
Body camera footage released by the police captures the tense moments inside the office. The officer is seen questioning Newman, who initially denies having any weapons. After a pat-down, Newman is directed to sit down, but moments later, he turns and pulls out a handgun, aiming it directly at the officer.
As Newman cocks the gun, a Walmart employee, whose identity has not been disclosed, quickly intervenes, grabbing the weapon and helping to subdue the suspect. The officer immediately engages, wrestling Newman to the ground without any shots being fired. Jeffrey can be heard in the video pleading for Newman to stop.
Newman now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, felonious assault on a police officer, robbery, drug possession, and having weapons while under disability. Jeffrey has been charged with complicity to commit robbery. Authorities have praised the bravery of the Walmart employee, whose actions likely prevented a tragedy.
The incident underscores the unpredictable dangers that police officers encounter, even during routine calls. Canton Police Department has emphasized the importance of vigilance and training, noting that the bodycam footage provides a clear account of the events. The release of the video aims to maintain public trust and transparency.
Legal proceedings are underway, with Newman in custody awaiting further court dates. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation. The case has drawn attention to issues of gun violence and retail crime, prompting discussions on safety measures in public spaces.
Moving forward, the community and law enforcement are reflecting on this close call, recognizing the need for continued cooperation between police and civilians to ensure public safety. The quick response in this incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that bystanders can play in emergency situations.
