A Stark County man is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, after investigators said he tried to shoot a Canton police officer at a Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard NE on Thursday afternoon.
The incident began when store security notified police that 21-year-old Shane Newman and his alleged accomplice, 23-year-old Katarina Jeffrey, were attempting to leave the store with unpaid items.
When a responding officer escorted the suspects to the store’s loss prevention office, he began patting down Newman, who voluntarily handed over a small container believed to contain illegal drugs. Video from the officer’s body camera shows Newman reaching into a bag around his shoulder and attempting to fire a gun at the officer, but the weapon did not discharge.
Quick action by a Walmart security employee helped wrest the gun away from Newman, allowing the officer to restrain him with assistance from employees. Investigators noted that Newman had an active warrant for his arrest and was classified as “armed and dangerous.”
Newman now faces charges including attempted murder, felonious assault on a peace officer, robbery, aggravated possession of drugs, and having weapons under disability due to his prior criminal record. He is being held at Stark County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Authorities also found two rounds of 9mm ammunition in Jeffrey’s possession, leading to charges of complicity to commit robbery and having weapons under disability.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard commented: “This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection. Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community.”
