Lithonia, GA – An alleged Walmart shoplifter reportedly died while being detained by the store’s security personnel, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
The unidentified man who allegedly attempted to steal a pair of DVD players from the retailer over the Black Friday weekend was confronted in the parking lot by two associates and a security guard. It was around this time that a physical altercation broke out. At one point during the fight, the guard placed the suspected thief in a choke hold.
When police arrived on the scene, they discovered the suspect was bleeding from his mouth and nose. He was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He later died as a result of his injuries.
“No amount of merchandise is worth someone’s life,” Walmart spokesperson Dianna Gee explained in a statement. “Associates are trained to disengage from situations that would put themselves or others at risk.”
Gee also mentioned that an investigation is currently ongoing. She also stressed that some of the facts in this unfortunate case have yet to be unearthed.
According to WSBTV , both associates involved in the altercation with the alleged shoplifter have been suspended with pay. The security guard has been terminated from his position with the company.
“This is truly a sad situation. We don’t know all of the facts right now. 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,” Gee said.
Unfortunately for the popular retail chain, this isn’t the first round of violence which took place in or around one of its many locations over the weekend.
The Inquisitr recently reported that two people were wounded when shots rang out in a Florida Walmart parking lot. The altercation in that particular scenario involved a coveted parking space.
What do you think should happen to the Walmart employees who may have contributed to the death of an alleged shoplifter?