A shoplifting suspect pulled a gun and tried to murder an off-duty police officer inside a Walmart, but the weapon mercifully jammed—highlighting the dangerous reality of retail crime in America today.
Story Snapshot
- 21-year-old Shane Newman charged with attempted murder after drawing handgun and pulling trigger on off-duty Canton officer during shoplifting arrest.
- Body camera footage captures the terrifying moment, showing Newman’s resistance escalate from petty theft to near-fatal violence.
- 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey arrested alongside Newman; no injuries occurred thanks to gun malfunction.
- Walmart praises officer’s bravery; incident underscores need for strong law enforcement amid rising retail theft.
Incident Unfolds at Canton Walmart
On December 18, 2025, at approximately 1:45 PM, an off-duty Canton police officer working loss prevention at the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard detained Shane Newman, 21, and Katerina Jeffrey, 23, for suspected shoplifting. The pair faced routine custody in the store’s loss prevention office. Newman suddenly resisted, drew a handgun from his right side, pointed it directly at the officer, and pulled the trigger. The weapon malfunctioned and failed to discharge. The officer subdued Newman without shots fired or injuries.
Officer’s Bravery Saves the Day
The unnamed veteran officer, supplementing income through off-duty retail security amid strained police budgets, acted decisively to protect himself and the store. Body camera video graphically records the exact trigger pull, providing irrefutable evidence for prosecutors. Canton Police Department swiftly charged Newman with attempted murder, demonstrating zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement. Walmart issued a statement commending the asset protection associate’s brave actions in preventing loss and averting disaster.
This close call reinforces the value of body-worn cameras in documenting threats and supporting rapid prosecutions. Common practice at big-box retailers like Walmart employs off-duty officers to combat theft, a necessity as economic pressures fuel shoplifting spikes nationwide.
Rising Retail Crime Context
Canton, Ohio, grapples with increasing retail theft, mirroring national trends at Walmart stores post-pandemic. Suspects like Newman and Jeffrey likely sought to evade consequences driven by desperation, but their armed escalation flipped a petty crime into a felony murder attempt. Ohio law upholds felony thresholds for repeat offenses, rejecting lenient policies seen elsewhere that embolden criminals. No prior incidents tie directly to these suspects, though similar armed confrontations plague retailers across states.
Power dynamics shifted violently when Newman resisted authority, underscoring risks to officers in everyday roles. Canton PD’s partnership with Walmart bolsters security ties, prioritizing law enforcement over soft-on-crime approaches.
Latest Developments and Impacts
As of December 22, 2025, Newman remains in custody with no trial date set; investigation continues, including a possible post-incident crash. Footage release by outlets amplified the story, airing on News 5 Cleveland and others December 20-22. Short-term, Walmart eyes tighter protocols; long-term, the case sets precedent for upgrading retail violence charges.
Canton residents face heightened fears of crime escalation in stores, amplifying calls for tougher shoplifting penalties in Ohio. Retailers may hire more off-duty police, validating body cams’ prosecutorial role. Socially, the incident bolsters tough-on-crime sentiments, protecting communities from violence disguised as theft. Under President Trump’s leadership, expect renewed focus on law and order to deter such threats.
Sources:
Shoplifter charged with attempted murder after pointing gun at officer
