Canton, OH – A shoplifting incident at a Walmart escalated dramatically when a suspect attempted to shoot a police officer. The attempted shooting occurred after the suspect, identified as Shane Newman, was detained for allegedly stealing merchandise.
Body camera footage captured the moment Newman, 21, drew a firearm while seated in a security office with a companion. According to reports, he pointed the gun at the officer’s head and pulled the trigger, but the weapon malfunctioned.
A loss prevention officer intervened, yelling and attempting to grab the gun from Newman. The police officer quickly jumped in and subdued Newman before he could fire again.
The officer later recounted the encounter, stating the gun was pointed directly at him when the trigger was pulled. The intervention of the loss prevention officer was critical, and the officer expressed gratitude for the employee’s quick actions.
A spokesperson for Walmart praised the employee’s bravery to maintain safety in the store. Jessie Carpenter, Walmart’s asset protection operations coach, stated the company prioritizes the safety of customers and associates and will support the ongoing police investigation.
Court documents reveal Newman faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and felonious assault against an officer. He reportedly possessed approximately 50 Molly pills at the time of the incident. Newman is currently held at the Stark County Jail on a $1 million bond. His companion, Katerina Jeffrey, faces charges of complicity in the robbery and is held on a $500,000 bond.
Their next court appearance is set for Tuesday. Canton Police Chief John Gabbard emphasized the need for community support for law enforcement. He highlighted the persistent risks officers face while serving the public.