Walmart: Incident at Lithonia Store 'Truly a Sad Situation'

Following the death of shoplifting suspect at the Walmart on Fairington Road in Lithonia early Sunday, Nov. 25—after a reported fight in the store's parking lot involving employees and a third-party security officer—company spokeswoman Dianna Gee provided this statement to Patch:

“This is truly a sad situation. We don’t know all of the facts right now. We’re in the process of working with law enforcement to determine all of the facts and cooperating and providing any information we have to assist in the investigation.

“The two associates involved in the incident are currently suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. The third party security officer involved will no longer be providing services to us.

“Our associates are trained that the safety of our customers and our associates is our first priority. No amount of merchandise is worth someone’s life. Associates are trained to disengage from situations that would put themselves or others at risk. That being said, this is still an active investigation and we’re working with police to provide any assistance.  

“We are in the process of conducting a full internal review of the event. If it is determined that our policy was not followed, we will take the appropriate action at the appropriate time.”

See original story:

Man Dead After Altercation at Lithonia Walmart