Gun jams at point-blank range as shoplifting suspect tries to shoot US police officer

(Image: KTVU)

A dramatic confrontation in a Canton, Ohio, Walmart store on Thursday afternoon ended without injuries after a 21-year-old man accused of shoplifting allegedly pulled out a handgun and attempted to shoot a police officer, only to have the weapon fail to fire. The startling encounter, captured on body-camera and security video, has drawn attention nationwide to both the dangers faced by law enforcement and the role of quick action by store personnel.

According to police and court records, officers responded around 1.45 pm to the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard NE following reports that the suspect, identified as Shane CL Newman, and a 23-year-old woman, Katerina Jeffrey, were suspected of stealing merchandise. Newman had an active warrant and had previously been classified by law enforcement as armed and dangerous, police said.

After Newman and Jeffrey were escorted to a loss prevention office inside the store for questioning, a police officer conducted a pat-down and asked about possible weapons, to which Newman indicated he had nothing. Minutes later, video shows Newman reaching into a concealed pouch and producing a handgun. He is then seen pointing the firearm at the officer and attempting to fire, but the weapon jammed and did not discharge.

A Walmart asset protection associate reacted instantly, lunging at Newman and wrestling the gun away before he could attempt to fire again. With the assistance of the officer, Newman was taken to the ground and placed in handcuffs. No shots were fired and there were no reported injuries.

Newman now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder of a peace officer, felonious assault on a police officer, robbery, aggravated drug possession and weapon possession under disability, a charge that reflects his prior felony conviction that barred him from legally possessing a firearm. Court records also show that law enforcement recovered 50 pills later identified as MDMA (commonly known as Molly) from Newman following the arrest.

Jeffrey was taken into custody and charged with complicity to commit robbery and related offenses, including possession of ammunition despite a legal disability. Both suspects appeared in Canton Municipal Court and were issued bonds, $1 million for Newman and $500,000 for Jeffrey, with their next court appearances scheduled later this week.

Canton Police Chief John Gabbard praised the quick thinking of the Walmart security associate and emphasized the inherent risks officers face even during routine calls. “This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers,” Gabbard said, adding that community and officer safety remain top priorities as the investigation continues.

The extraordinary nature of the confrontation, where a suspect at point-blank range attempted to fire a weapon that failed to fire, served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers present in everyday policing.