The Alameda Police Department says they encourage people to record suspected shoplifting incidents but don’t recommend getting physically involved.
When a witness decided to take matters into his own hands and confront a suspected shoplifter at Walgreens Alameda in California, things quickly escalated.
After watching someone fill a sack with items, Kevin, a passerby who prefers to remain unidentified, took out his phone and began recording. As the alleged shoplifter was walking toward the exit, Kevin asked another customer to film him.
Once outside, Kevin confronted the man and declared, “A!” “citizen’s arrest.”
As per reports, the suspect began screaming. “Leave me alone!” He called for help. When an accomplice approached, Kevin was put in a headlock. Kevin punched the alleged accomplice to the ground.
Kevin replied, “Why did he take on the man?” “It was simple. I had enough.”
Walgreens, according to authorities, decided not to bring charges against the man and his suspected accomplice.
“It makes me feel like a sucker. It makes me feel like the system is even more broken. It burns me to the core,” Kevin stated.
Kevin was worried that he would face criminal charges as a result of the incident.
“I don’t encourage anyone to ever get involved in a perceived crime in progress, because they don’t have the tools that a police officer would have if they were on scene,” Cheryl Dorsey is a former LAPD sergeant.
According to the Alameda Police Department, people are encouraged to report suspected shoplifting crimes, but they are not advised to get physically involved.