Crime & Safety
Shoplifters Dragged Elderly Walmart Employee With Car: Police
Police in Wareham are searching for three people who allegedly stole from the retailer and dragged a 76-year-old man as they fled.
WAREHAM, MA – Police are looking for three shoplifting suspects who allegedly dragged an elderly Walmart employee with their car as they fled the scene. Officers responded to the retail chain's Wareham location around 6 p.m. Thursday for what was initially believed to be a hit and run.
They found bystanders tending to a 76-year-old man on the pavement. The man, a store employee, tried to stop three people suspected of shoplifting, according to police.
Walmart video surveillance showed a blue Honda parked near a fire exit with one person inside. Shortly after, two people fled the store through the fire exit with a shopping cart in tow, police said. While trying to put the items in the car, they were confronted by the employee.
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The car pulled away, dragging the victim several feet until he fell to the ground, police said. When he got up, a suspect allegedly rammed him with a shopping cart and knocked him back down.
The car fled the area before police arrived and was seen driving east on Cranberry Highway, according to police. It had no license plate, and one of its windshield wipers was ripped off during the altercation.
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The Walmart employee was treated for his injuries at Tobey Hospital and released.
"Identifying and arresting these subjects is a top priority, because in addition to stealing from a business in Wareham, they injured, and very easily could have killed someone with their desperate and reckless actions to flee the area," Acting Wareham Police Chief John Walcek said in a statement. "I would ask everyone to view the photos of the suspects, the suspect vehicle and help us apprehend these criminals. I am confident with the public’s help that will happen."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wareham Police Department by phone or Text-A-Tip. To use Text-A-Tip, text 274637 on your cell phone and in the text field start, “warehampd” with your message. A tip can also be submitted by clicking a link on the Wareham Police main page.
Images via Wareham PD
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