Crime & Safety

Pinellas Park Walmart Security Officer Doused With Pepper Spray

A Walmart security officer received a dose of pepper spray in the face when he tried to apprehend an accused shoplifter on Monday.

PINELLAS PARK, FL -- A Walmart security officer received a dose of pepper spray in the face when he tried to apprehend an accused shoplifter on Monday.

Pinellas Park Police were called to the Walmart Supercenter at 8001 U.S. 19 N. shortly after 9:30 a.m. Feb.. 5. Prior to their arrival, a loss prevention officer attempted to apprehend accused shoplifter Marvin Howard Williams as he was leaving the store but Williams reportedly produced a container of pepper spray and sprayed it at the officer.

Williams then fled toward the main entrance just as Pinellas Park Police were arriving. he was taken into custody.

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The loss prevention officer was treated at the scene.

Williams was charged with robbery with a weapon and taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he remains on a $50,000 bond.

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Image via Pinellas Park Police

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