Man Suspected of Shoplifitng Dies After Being Detained by Wal-Mart Security
An investigation is underway after a man suspected of shoplifting who was held by security personnel died.
Police stated the alleged shoplifter, whose name has not been released pending notification of the family, died at a local hospital following an incident at a Southern California Wal-Mart store. He was detained by store security following a brief altercation with them in the parking lot, as reported by KTVN.
Police officials told local media that the incident, which occurred Friday afternoon, stemmed from the pursuit of the alleged individual, who was suspected of taking several items from the store. The man appeared to be in medical distress while being detained by store security.
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"While being detained in the parking lot, the suspect began fighting with the loss-prevention personnel," Covina sheriff's Deputy Peter Gomez said in a written statement.
Upon their arrival, officers called paramedics and the suspect was taken to Citrus Valley Medical Center Inter-Community Campus in Covina, where he was pronounced dead a short while later, according to Covina police and coroner's officials. An autopsy was being scheduled to determine the cause of death.
"When the (police) officers arrived, the suspect was being restrained by loss-prevention officers," Gomez said. "The Covina police officers saw the suspect appeared to be in medical distress and called for paramedics to respond."
Police officials explained the petty theft was less than $950. The man had attempted to steal clothes and body wash.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Dianna Gee expressed sorrow for the loss of life, but stated that there are many details currently unknown, including the cause of death.
Gee stated that Wal-Mart is providing police will surveillance footage of the incident. Gee explained that the security personnel involved have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation and an autopsy to determine the cause of death. It is not clear why security did not notify paramedics.
