Suspected Walmart Shoplifter Dies

A suspected shoplifter died after he was caught  by employees and a contract security officer outside a Lithonia, Georgia  Walmart.Two store employees who helped catch and subdue the suspect before police arrived have been placed on leave. The security officer, who police say may have placed the suspected thief in a choke hold, is no longer working for Walmart,DeKalb police say the man, took two DVD players from the Walmart at 5401 Fairington Road around 1:30 a.m.The man, who appeared to be middle aged, exited through the front door but was caught by the two workers and the security officer in the parking lot, where a “physical altercation” took place, according to the police report.When police arrived, they found the trio on top of the man. Police found the man to be unresponsive and bleeding from his nose and mouth. Emergency units took him to DMC-Hillandale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The preliminary police investigation indicates the victim was placed in a choke hold by the security officer. Police are waiting for autopsy results.The two Walmart associates involved in the incident have been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.  The security officer was fired.

From the Atlantic Journal Constitution