A “prolonged” fight in a north Spokane Walmart store on Sunday morning resulted in the shooting death of a man suspected of shoplifting.
The incident began inside the Walmart store, where the suspect was allegedly involved in shoplifting. The situation quickly escalated as police officers intervened, leading to a physical confrontation. During the struggle, the suspect was shot, and despite immediate first-aid efforts by responders, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Two Spokane police officers were injured during a fight between the suspect and the officers, with one officer taken to a hospital, according to Police Chief Craig Meidl.
Increased violence in stores has become a growing concern for many retailers as they prioritize keeping their associates and customers safe. “It’s evident that our ongoing battle against retail violence remains a critical concern. We are committed to fostering robust partnerships with local law enforcement and legal entities to ensure the safety of our associates and customers,” said Renée Sunde, President & CEO of Washington Retail Association in a statement. “This incident underscores the need for a sustained, multi-pronged strategy to address these challenges effectively.”
