Man caught on camera trying to shoot police officer in loss prevention room at Walmart

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – A man in Ohio was charged Thursday after police said he stole several items from a Walmart shopping center and tried to shoot an officer in the head.

Canton Police said the officer responded around 1:45 p.m. to the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard NE for suspected shoplifting.

The officer was inside the loss prevention office with 21-year-old Shane Newman and 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey when police said Newman pulled out a handgun.

Police said Newman then attempted to shoot the officer, but the gun did not fire.

A Walmart protection associate jumped onto Newman before he could try to shoot the gun again.

Newman was then taken to the floor by the officer and arrested.

In body camera video, the officer can be heard explaining he did not want to shoot Newman because he did not want to risk hitting the Walmart employee that was on top of him.

“The safety and security of our customers and associates is always a top priority,” Jessie Carpenter, Walmart Asset Protection Operations Coach, said in a statement. “We’re proud of the brave action our asset protection associate took to maintain the safety of everyone in our store. We’ll continue to work with police as they investigate.”

Court records show the 21-year-old is charged with attempted murder, felonious assault on a police officer, robbery, drug possession and having a weapon under disability.

Police said Jeffrey is charged with complicity to commit a robbery.

Due to a previous felony conviction, Newman was not allowed to own or have a firearm, court records show.

After Newman’s arrest, officers said they recovered 50 blue pills identified as Molly, according to the records.

Newman and Jeffrey appeared in Canton Municipal court Friday. Newman was issued a $1 Million bond. Jeffrey was handed a $500,000 bond.

They are both expected back in Court on Dec. 23.

“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said. “Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call Canton police at 330-649-5800 or 330-489-3144.