Felons steal ammunition from Louisiana Walmart and use it to shoot a cop

Occurred January 21, 2015.


Two men and a woman entered a Walmart store in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and stole ammunition.

Deputies responded, and when they pulled over the car with the suspects, one of the men, 27-year-old Chadwick Schwender, bailed out of the car and started shooting with a "high powered rifle" (most likely an assault rifle), hitting the squad car and striking one of the deputies in the hand.

All three were arrested after they tried to get away.  All three were felons.

From an article and news video:

At around 3 p.m. Deputy Atkins conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle that was occupied by two men and a woman who stole ammunition from Wal-Mart in Donaldsonville earlier in the day on Tuesday.

When Deputy Atkins stopped the vehicle, the passenger of the vehicle opened fire on him.

According to Chief Bacala, three rounds were fired toward Deputy Atkins. One hitting his sheriff's office cruiser, and another struck Deputy Atkins in the hand. Deputy Atkins ran to at a nearby house where the resident called 911.

Deputy Atkins was rushed to a local hospital where he was released on Wednesday, January 21 and is expected to make a full recovery.

The two accomplices, a man and a woman, were arrested shortly after the shooting after trying to drive away, but crashing their vehicle. They were later identified as 27-year-old Jennifer McGhee and 27-year-old Chadwick Schwender. They attempted to break into a house by kicking in the door and forcing the homeowner to give up the keys to the vehicle. Deputies recovered the stolen vehicle in a ditch and McGhee and Schwender were arrested on scene.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Accidental gun discharge in Missouri Walmart

Occurred January 21, 2015.


An "accidental discharge" of a gun occurred at a Walmart store in Osage Beach, Missouri.

No details have been revealed.

From an article:

Osage Beach police believe there was an "accidental discharge" of a firearm in Walmart Tuesday evening. According to a spokeswoman, the Walmart corporate office is working alongside Osage Beach police to further review surveillance footage and there is no cause for alarm.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Shoplifter threatens California Walmart employees with a gun

Occurred January 13, 2015.


A man attempted to shoplift a large number of items from a Walmart store in Clovis, California, when loss prevention employees tried to stop him.  The man then threatened them with a handgun and fled with the help of an accomplice.  Luckily, no one was injured.

From an article:

Clovis police are searching for two suspects who stole $800 worth of merchandise at gunpoint Tuesday night from the Walmart located at 323 West Shaw Ave.

Sgt. Lonnie Amerjan said that one of the men entered the Walmart just before 5:30 p.m. and began to load a shopping cart with expensive items from different areas of the store.

Loss prevention officers grew suspicious of the man and stopped him as he tried to leave.

The man then drew what was described as a black, semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the two loss prevention personnel, who allowed him to pass with the cart.

The man then pushed the cart out to a small, silver compact car with paper license plates driven by an unknown person. He loaded the stolen goods, and the car exited the shopping center onto westbound Shaw Avenue.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2015/01/13/4329229_police-investigating-armed-robbery.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Conceal carry permit holder unintentionally shoots self in Tennessee Walmart

Occurred January 13, 2015.


A man who was legally carrying a concealed handgun unintentionally shot himself while in a Walmart store in Athens, Tennessee. 

Luckily, this time, the wound was not serious and no one else was injured.  No charges were pressed.

From an article:

At around 1 p.m. Monday, an unidentified man was going through the men's clothing department at Walmart when he decided to reach for a handkerchief in his pocket. When he did, a gun in that pocket went off and the bullet cut through his leg.

The man was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center to be treated for his injury.

No charges will be brought as authorities with the Athens Police Department deemed the shooting accidental. Also, the man was carrying the weapon legally.

Walmart allows the carrying of concealed handguns in its stores.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Gunman robs Walmart Neighborhood Market in Connecticut

Occurred January 10, 2015.


A man with a handgun entered a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Bristol, Connecticut, and fled with money.

From an article:

A man armed with a handgun robbed the Walmart Neighborhood Market Saturday and made off with an undetermined amount of cash, police said. No injuries were reported.

Police said the robber entered the store at 325 Oakland St. about 5:30 p.m., and approached a clerk. He displayed the gun and demanded money, police said.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Shoplifter threatens Walmart security guard with gun in Philadelphia

Occurred January 10, 2015.


A man went into a Walmart store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and shoplifted a 50" TV.  When security confronted him, he threatened them with a gun, then fled.

From an article:

In a brazen armed robbery, a suspect walked into a 24-hour Wal-Mart located at 1675 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. in the city's Pennsport neighborhood around 1:55 a.m., grabbed a 50-inch television and headed for the exit, police said.

A store security guard stopped the suspect before he left the store, which is just north of Pier 70,  but the man pulled back his shirt to reveal a weapon tucked into his waistband -- all while other shoppers were nearby, authorities said.

The suspect then fled the store in an unknown direction.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Kansas Walmart robbed by gunman

Occurred January 4, 2015.

(source)

A man entered the Walmart store in Westwood, Kansas, presented a gun, and robbed money from a checker before fleeing.

From an article:

Westwood police say the suspect was armed when he robbed the store at 4701 Mission Road about 6 a.m. Sunday.

Officers said the man made a small purchase and demanded money with a gun. No one was hurt, but the man did get away with cash. 

He left the scene in a small, silver SUV.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Guns stolen from Arkansas Walmart on day after Christmas

Occurred December 26, 2014.

Scene of stolen guns at Helena Walmart (source)

On the day after Christmas, thieves entered the Walmart store in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas (Walmart's home state), while the store was closed for business.  There they smashed a display case with a hammer and stole four guns, as well as some electronic goods, and fled.

The article does not state what kind of guns were stolen.  Walmart sells assault rifles and hunting rifles.

From an article and news video:

Police report several guns were taken as well as a number of iPods, iPads and iPhones.

The store, on Shelia Street in Helena-West Helena,  is usually opened 24-hours but it was closed Christmas and wasn’t scheduled to re-open till 9 a.m. the following day.

It’s believed the break-in happened just after 2:00 a.m. on the 26th.

Eli Moore, who shops at the Walmart regularly, is very concerned even though the burglary happened while the store was closed.

“I come out here and shop at Walmart all the time, you know. My wife told me, ‘you don’t need to go out there at night.’ So, with this happening here it’s got me scared to come out here now,” said Eli Moore.

According to Helena-West Helena Police, a glass display case in the sporting goods section was smashed and four guns were taken.

In the electronics section two cases were broken, and police reportedly found a hammer and drops of blood near the shattered glass.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Gunman robs Walmart in North Carolina

Occurred December 30, 2014.


A man entered a Walmart store in Greensboro, North Carolina, armed with a gun, and robbed the money center there, then fled.

Luckily, no one was harmed.

From an article:

A man walked into the business, located at 121 W. Elmsley St., about 11:20 a.m. today armed with a gun and handed a note to an employee, said Susan Danielsen, police spokeswoman.

The man got an undisclosed amount of money and fled through the grocery side of the store, she said.

Since 2013, Greensboro has seen two other armed robberies by gunmen at Walmart stores.  See HERE and HERE.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Three boys caught stealing guns from Florida Walmart store

Occurred December 24, 2014.

Scene of children stealing guns at Florida Walmart (source)

On Christmas Eve, three boys, ages 12, 13, and 16, entered a Walmart store in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, and drew the attention of security as they "cased the store."  The three boys then shoplifted a number of items, including three handguns and part of a rifle.  When they tried to leave the store, security and police confronted the boys and arrested the two youngest immediately and the oldest after he tried to flee.

From the look of the picture to the right, from the link below, at least one of the handguns may have been a realistic-looking Airsoft pellet gun.

From an article and news video:

Guns stolen by the boys

Three juveniles were arrested Saturday at the Walmart store on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach after they attempted to steal weapons, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The trio were met by PBSO deputies as they left the store.

Walmart's loss prevention staff noticed the 12, 13 and 16-year-olds "casing" the store, according to PBSO, notified the sheriff's office and locked down the store.

Officials say all three juveniles fled from the store with deputies awaiting them around the perimeter of the building.

The 16-year-old fled on foot and was quickly captured by a K-9 officer. PBSO says the other two juveniles were captured without incident.

All three suspects have been transported to JAC unit and will be charged with Retail Grand Theft. The 16-year-old will also be charged with Resisting Arrest.

Every gun in the hands of a child must first pass through the hands of an adult.


Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Conceal carry permit holder shot to death by her 2-year old in Idaho Walmart

Occurred December 30, 2014.

Scene of fatal shooting at Hayden Walmart (source)

(UPDATED - See below)

A 29-year old woman, Veronica J. Rutledge, was shopping with her four children in a Walmart store in Hayden, Idaho, when her 2-year old boy reached into her purse, grabbed a loaded, unsecured handgun, and shot her to death with it.

The woman had a conceal carry permit.  This is at least the 11th incident this year caused by a conceal carry permit holder in Walmart stores, and at least the 30th since I've started keeping track.  See HERE.  And I only know of one incident were a concealed carry permit shooting at a Walmart store was actually deemed as self defense.  So, Walmart, why do you still allow this dangerous practice in your stores?

From an article:

Veronica J. Rutledge, 29, was shopping with her son and three other children, Kootenai County sheriff's spokesman Stu Miller said. Rutledge was from Blackfoot in southeastern Idaho, and her family had come to the area to visit relatives.

She had a concealed weapons permit. Miller said the young boy was left in a shopping cart, reached into his mother's purse and grabbed a small-caliber handgun, which discharged one time.

Deputies who responded to the Wal-Mart found Rutledge dead, the sheriff's office said.
"It appears to be a pretty tragic accident," Miller said.

The victim's father-in-law, Terry Rutledge, told The Associated Press that Veronica Rutledge "was a beautiful, young, loving mother."

"She was not the least bit irresponsible," Terry Rutledge said. "She was taken much too soon."

The woman's husband was not in the store when the shooting happened at about 10:20 a.m. Miller said the man arrived shortly after the shooting. All the children were taken to a relative's house.

The shooting occurred in the Wal-Mart in Hayden, Idaho, a town about 40 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington. The store closed and was not expected to reopen until Wednesday morning.

Brooke Buchanan, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, said in a statement the shooting was a "very sad and tragic accident."

It is very sad and tragic, and unintentional, but it wasn't an "accident" as I define it since it was completely avoidable.  There are a lot of lessons to be learned here.  The gun wasn't secured.  It was around children.  It was loaded.  And Walmart didn't have to allow the carrying of guns in their stores.  All of these factors increase the risk.

Every gun in the hands of a child must first pass through the hands of an adult.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.


UPDATE (12/31/14):   The purse where the gun had been stored was specially made for storing a concealed handgun and was given to her this Christmas by her husband.  Both the woman and her husband were very experienced with guns and guns played a big part in their lives.  From an article:

Terry Rutledge, Veronica's father-in-law, told The Spokesman-Review that the boy unzipped the special gun compartment in the woman's purse where the weapon was kept while she was looking at clothing.

Terry Rutledge said his 29-year-old daughter-in-law did not put the weapon "loosely into her purse."

Victoria Rutledge had a concealed weapons permit, and guns were a big part of Rutledge's life, her father-in-law said. ....

Terry Rutledge told The Washington Post that Veronica Rutledge and her husband practiced at shooting ranges and each had a concealed weapons permit. He said for Christmas this year, her husband gave her the purse with a special zippered pocket for a concealed weapon.

About 7 percent of adults in Idaho had concealed weapons permits at the end of 2012, according to the Crime Prevention Research Center in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. That ranked Idaho among the top third of states.

UPDATE (1/1/15):  A good article on the local gun culture that contributed to this tragedy.
. 

Shoplifter threatens Walmart employee with gun in Washington state

Occurred December 26, 2014.

Scene of armed shoplifting at Lacey Walmart (screenshot source)

(UPDATED -- See below)

A man by the name of Jonathan Langford entered a Walmart store in Lacey, Washington, and tried to shoplift a Dyson vacuum cleaner.  When a security guard confronted him and took him to the security office, Langford pulled out a handgun and threatened him with it, then fled through the store waving the gun, sending shoppers running in panic.

After a "small tussle," Langford fled with the help of a getaway driver.

Luckily, no shots were fired.

He is still at large.

From an article and news video:

Langford had people running for the doors on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

He was pulled into the security office for attempting to steal a Dyson vacuum Friday afternoon. That’s when he pulled out the handgun and ran from the store.

"He pulled the gun from his waistband, a small tussle ensued, and from there -- he fled the building,” said Detective Miguel Stansberry with the Lacey Police Department.

Customers saw Langford with that gun as he left the Walmart.

"We heard a lady come screaming, and then we saw a whole bunch of people coming toward the back of the store,” said Nathaniel Hemby, a shopper.

No shots were fired.

Lacey Police Department says Langford got into a car and drove out of the lot.

Detectives are investigating the store.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

UPDATED (12/30/14):   The suspect, Jonathan Langford, was arrested in Astoria, Oregon, and will be extradited.

Two drunk men shoot up Idaho Walmart store with a BB gun

Occurred December 24, 2014.


Two intoxicated men entered a Walmart store in Post Falls, Idaho, removed a BB gun and BBs from the packaging inside the store, then shot up the store with the gun.  They were soon arrested.

Apparently there weren't any injuries.

From an article:

It happened overnight when the two males walked into the store and took a brand new BB gun out of its box.

Police said they then loaded the gun and fired four separate times while inside the store.

The two eventually walked up to a loss prevention officer and asked if he wanted to join them.

They then walked out of the store, but several officers and a deputy were able to locate and arrest the two men.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Three gunmen rob safe from New Mexico Walmart and shoot at store

Occurred October 29, 2014.

Photo of one of the gunmen at Albuquerque Walmart (source)

Three men entered a Walmart store in Albuquerque, New Mexico and stole a cash drop safe from the store while threatening Walmart employees, then fired a shot back at the store with a firearm.

Luckily no one was injured.

From an article and news video:

Albuquerque police are looking for three men who stole the cash drop safe from the Wal-Mart at 400 Eubank NE just after midnight early Wednesday morning.

APD spokesperson Tanner Tixier said the men, who were armed, demanded the large safe from managers, who complied.

The suspects then took the safe out of the store and loaded it onto the back of a white '90s model Ford Ranger with an extended cab. Tixier said the truck also had a blue stripe along the bottom of it.

One of the suspects allegedly fired a shot back at the store as they fled in the truck, but no one was injured.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Man steals muzzle loading rifle from Virginia Walmart store

Occurred October 12, 2014.


A man entered a Walmart store in Amherst County, Virginia, went to the Sporting Goods section, disabled the security system on a case, and stole a muzzle loading rifle, then fled the store.

From an article:

The incident happened at 12:47 a.m. Sunday, October 12. Deputies said a man entered the grocery-side entrance of the store, disabled the security system on the item, and took the muzzle loading rifle from Sporting Goods. 

The suspect is described as a white male, in his late teens or early twenties. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, with the hood up, blue jeans and brown work boots.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Gunman robs Texas Walmart

Occurred October 9, 2014.


A man robbed a Walmart cashier at gunpoint, at a store in Crowley, Texas, before fleeing with money.  Luckily, no shots were fired.

From an article:

Crowley police are asking for the public’s help in finding the man who robbed a Walmart cashier at gunpoint Thursday afternoon.

The robbery was at 1:15 p.m. at the Walmart at 1221 E. Farm Road 1187, according to a Crowley news release.

The man left the big-box store in a dark blue GMC Yukon SUV, police said.

He is black, 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 9, wearing sunglasses, a dark-colored baseball cap with a silver emblem above the bill, a white T-shirt, gray long sleeve shirt, dark blue jeans and brown “work-type” boots.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article3877063.html#storylink=cpy

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Man steals two rifles from Virginia Walmart

Occurred September 17, 2014.


Jake A. DiFolco entered a Walmart store in Virginia Beach, Virginia, went to the sporting goods section, then stole two rifles from the display case.

He was later reported to the police and arrested.

From an article:

According to police, Jake A. DiFolco entered Walmart on Nimmo Parkway around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 and was able to take two rifles from the sporting goods section.

Police said DiFolco was identified 30 minutes after the story was reported by local media.

DiFolco is charged with grand larceny and was released on bond.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Off-duty policeman shoots shoplifter at Texas Walmart after being stabbed

Occurred December 16, 2014.

Scene of shooting at Dallas Walmart (screenpic source)

An off-duty officer, Larry Moody, in full uniform, was working security at a Dallas, Texas, Walmart store when he confronted a shoplifter, 33-year old Jonathan Puckett.  Puckett stabbed Officer Moody in the hand, at which point Moody pulled his gun and shot Puckett in the leg.

From an article:

The incident happened just after midnight at the Walmart store on Retail Road, in the northeast part of the city.

Police said that the officer tried to stop a man who was accused of shoplifting. But the suspect stabbed the officer in the left hand. The officer responded by pulled out his weapon and firing at the suspect, striking him in the leg.

Authorities did not say what the suspect was trying to steal.

The suspect was taken to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas in stable condition. The officer was transported to Baylor Medical Center at Dallas and is expected to be okay. No names have been released.

Additional details HERE.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Gunman robs Florida Walmart liquor store and pistol whips employee

Occurred December 5, 2014.

A man entered a Walmart liquor store in Winter Haven, Florida, pulled out a handgun, and threatened two Walmart employees with it, robbing the store then pistol-whipping on of the employees before fleeing.

From an article:

Police say around 12:31 p.m., a man walked into the Walmart Liquor store at 7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd. and walked briefly around the store in an obvious attempt to see if there were any other customers present.

He then approached one counter, placing a small item to be scanned and immediately pulled a gun on the clerk. As the 75-year-old male clerk tried to open the drawer, the suspect hit him on the side of the head knocking him to the ground.

The suspect then turned to the 50-year-old female clerk directly behind him and demanded she open her drawer, which she attempts to do. The suspect then hit the female clerk two times on the side of the head and left the store empty-handed.

Both clerks were taken to Winter Haven Hospital to be treated for lacerations to the head. Both are expected to make a full recovery.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.

Two boys steal realistic-looking BB gun from Florida Walmart and use it to rob and shoot pizza driver

Occurred December 2, 2014.


Two boys, ages 12 and 13, stole a realistic-looking BB gun from an Ocala, Florida, Walmart store. They then used the gun to threaten, rob, and shoot a pizza delivery drive and shoot out his window.

From an article:

According to the report, the two masked juveniles pointed BB guns at the driver's chest, stated "Gimme what ya got," to which the driver replied, "I ain't givin you (expletive)."

The driver told police the juveniles then started shooting him with BB guns and shattered his rear window as he was driving away.

A 13-year-old involved was found in the area with BBs and an air cartridge in his pocket, according to the report. The teen told police he had gone with the other juveniles to Walmart and stolen several BB guns.

The two other juveniles, both of whom were 12 years old, were taken into custody at Ocala Police Department.

Walmart.  Save money.  Die faster.