Shoplift Suspect Dies, Police May Charge Walmart Security Guard With Manslaughter

A shoplift suspect died at Walmart at around 1:30 on Sunday after possibly having been aggressively subdued, and now police in DeKalb County, Georgia are trying to decide whether the security guard who restrained the man should be charged after the incident.

The shoplift suspect who died at Walmart has not been identified in press reports, but a few details are known about what may have happened before his death. According to law enforcement, the man was spotted allegedly stealing two DVD players in the early morning hours from the Lithonia, Georgia Walmart.

Before the shoplift suspect died, police say, he was followed out of the store by Walmart employees — including a security guard who no longer is employed at the location. It is believed the suspect was then placed in a choke by the guard, who reportedly “sat on” the man, to wait for police to arrive on the scene.

When cops got to the Walmart, the shoplift suspect was bleeding from his nose and had reportedly stopped breathing. After being transported to DeKalb Medical-Hillandale Hospital, the man was declared dead.

In our earlier report, we indicated that a spokeswoman for Walmart issued a statement saying that the retail giant was working with law enforcement:

“This is truly a sad situation. We’re in the process of working with law enforcement to determine all of the facts and cooperating and providing any information we have to assist in the investigation.”

“Our associates are trained that the safety of our customers and our associates is our first priority. No amount of merchandise is worth someone’s life.”

Local news sources indicate that manslaughter charges may be filed against the security guard in the shoplift suspect’s death.