Don't Drink & Shoplift at Walmart

 

Different retail concerns have very dissimilar policies concerning shoplifting. Shoplift at Walmart, especially if you're visibly impaired, you will face consequences.

Several locals have criticized the Florence Police Department for the recent treatment of a shoplifter who resisted arrest. Why was this perp "assaulted?" He stole and then resisted arrest. Here'e the statement from Chief Michael Holt:

We are aware that there is a video circulating that shows a small glimpse of an entire incident. The video and commentary posted paints a dangerously inaccurate picture of what occurred during this incident. The individual in question was armed with a knife on his hip and was actively resisting arrest. The officer attempted to place the male in handcuffs but he resisted.

The officer took the subject to the ground. While on the ground, the individual refused to remove his uncuffed hand from underneath him, near the knife, creating a significant threat to the officer’s safety, as well as the safety of others. Due to the threat, the officer delivered two strikes to the subject’s head, which freed his hand. The strikes created a laceration to the subject’s eyebrow, creating heavy bleeding.

The male was transported to the hospital via ambulance and was later released to the Lauderdale County Detention Center. The male was charged with Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, and Retail Theft 3rd Degree.

One note: Some witnesses have stated the officer struck the shoplifter three times, not two. We're sure they'll be delighted when called to testify at any lawsuit the arrestee files.