Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Walmart Crime Report February 2024



Walmart had another dozen shootings in February 2024, with only one fatality, as a result of a petty argument about a fender bender, and at least six injuries, including two suspects shot by police. There was also a thirteenth shooting at an apartment complex near Walmart where the suspect went to Walmart after the shooting and caused a panic, although it's unclear if he was armed at the time and he was gone before the police arrived, in large numbers, evacuating the store and locking it down. He was arrested later elsewhere.

There were at least thirteen more gun crimes at their stores that didn't involve shootings, including at least two swatting incidents causing panics, robberies, domestic arguments, and other incidents.

In addition to the person killed in a shooting there were at least five bodies found on their property at different locations, one suspect killed in a stolen car accident, and two workers that died on the job, one in a forklift accident, for a total of at least nine dead last month.

They routinely claim there are no suspicious circumstances involved in many of the dead bodies found at their stores, often because they were medical issues, overdoses, or poor homeless people, but is should raise some question about why there are so many on a regular bases. It also seems strange when they claim there's no "suspicious actions at this point" when they find a severed finger at their stores.

How do you avoid considering severed body parts suspicious?

A county official that was accused of shoplifting spoke out to deny guilt; but the unprecedented thing was that reporters weren't allowed in the court, which may be a violation of the Constitution and show preferential treatment for politicians whether she's guilty or not, and they're withholding information from voters while she runs for office anyway.

Complaints about Walmart's anti-theft policies, including receipt check, locking things up, invasion of privacy and more are going viral, with dozens of articles and many more Social Media posts complaining about them, angering almost everyone involved. This includes false accusations, being treated like people are guilty until proven innocent, people getting fired, sometimes even for stopping theft, or at least trying to, and at least one person that had an item delivered that was still locked up, defeating the purpose of the delivery since they had to take it back to unlock it.

Some of the more serious crimes, not counting shootings include a man with a samurai sword threatening people, a food fight where people threw cans of food at each other, at least one brawl, assaults on police or employees, threats to blow up Walmart in one case accompanied by instruments that might be used to create explosives, although these claims are usually exaggerated, kidnappings, assaults, including one old man beating up another old man, stealing from girl scouts, and much more.

Walmart is now using facial recognition software to catch suspects, in this case, someone suspected of indecency with a child, which may attract some support; but it's inevitable that they will use it for many more petty reason if they can, and that it may lead to many false accusations. A cop has been charged for bilking Walmart, charging them for working security, while simultaneously working as a school resource officer, which means he's also bilking taxpayers. Once again, this shows that when police steal from the rich they're much more likely to get charged when they infringe on the rights of the poor, sometimes even beating or killing them without justification. They're also increasing the use of tracking devises including a "UHF RFID tag," which can track merchandise, or perhaps people as well.

Walmart is also pushing to overturn a voter-approved law that eases penalties for petty offenses; but as has always been the case, crimes committed by the rich against the working class or poor are rarely ever prosecuted and usually treated as a civil case on occasions where anything is done.

An increasing number of skimming devices are being found on their registers; this is more common on self-checkout where it's easier to install unnoticed, but it has happened at registers with cashiers.

In addition to the person killed in a stolen car accident there were at least eight to ten more major accidents, carjackings, chases, vehicular assaults, and other automobile incidents, including one vehicle that flipped upside down and a priest arrested for drunk driving after a shoplifting incident and chase. There were also at least a couple car or tractor trailer fires, including one with major injuries, and three fires unrelated to car fires, including two arsons. There were also over half a dozen knife attacks, including a few that resulted in stabbing injuries among many other crimes.



Walmart and the Walton family is continuing to increase their investment in controlling the media, and has also had some business transaction with Google and other tech giants; even though there's no solid evidence showing this impacts their coverage of Walmart, there is circumstantial evidence showing that media outlets are increasing the number of ads thinly disguised as news articles and they often push crimes off search engines or fail to report many major incidents as promptly or accurately as they used to.

Walmart also had recalls of cheese linked to deadly listeria outbreak, which wasn't included in the deaths listed above, steamers causing a serious burn risk, eye ointments with a risk of infection, gun safes with security concerns, and unsafe knockoff video doorbells. They were also caught numerous times scamming by overcharging based on false claims of weight, and many other lawsuits, including one for the same reason which is enabling customers to get their money back, lawsuits about false accusations, price fixing, failing to place Snoop Dogg's cereal brand, stop co-workers from sexual assault of other employees, union busting, price fixing, opioid lawsuits that have been going on for years, and many other issues.

One Walmart store in Canada has turned into a new home for the birds, which isn't the first time animals have moved in.

And of course, after taking a break for close to a year, an infamous pole at a Maine Walmart has begun luring drivers to crash into it again, like the Sirens tried to lure Odysseus.

Another former employee decided to do a good deed for the community by giving away merchandise by voiding purchases; but no good deed goes unpunished and he was fired and charged criminally.

If you consider "The Onion" a reliable source there's a chance Walmart might be releasing wolves in your local store to cut down on shoplifters, or shoppers or employees; or perhaps there's a woman in Texas who's hair puffs up to intimidate rivals or attract mates. Perhaps the only place stranger than Walmarts are Walmart in Texas.



Strange things happen at Walmart!





In 2006 Wake Up Walmart did a study, "Is Walmart Safe?" based on incidents in 2004, (PDF) about crime at Walmart which showed that it increased when Walmarts opened up and that crime was higher at Walmart than at other retailers. Since then Walmart Shootings began compiling a list of gun related incidents at Walmart and demonstrated that they have a large number of them, including on average more than one shooting per week somewhere in the country; now after counting them for several years that average is over two per week. In January of 2014 another study, "Rolling Back Prices and Raising Crime Rates?" provided additional statistical research indicating that Walmart might be contributing to higher crime rates or at least a slowing of the decline in crime. The study found that. “on average, communities with Walmarts had 17 more property crimes and two more violent crimes per 10,000 people than those communities without Walmarts.” I reviewed this more in Walmart’s crime problem, Rolling Back Safety more than prices? where I explained that although this study is helpful they could have done better with additional data that is available and I reviewed some of that. I also added my own review about why I think that Walmart policies have been contributing to higher crime in a previous blog, Walmart high crime rate continues un-investigaterd and have provided additional information under the author tag Walmart Crime Watch.

Over the past ten to fifteen years Walmart has been increasing the use of self-checkout, and this has corresponded with a steady increase in shoplifting as well as false accusations, yet they refuse to even discuss returning to the use of cashiers. What most people seem to have forgotten was that when they first did this it was on a small scale as an experiment, presumably to see if it worked before expanding it, which would actually make sense, if they slowed it down or reversed it once they saw how many problems it caused. But that's not what they did. Instead the more problems they had the more they increased use of self-checkout, often claiming that instead of hiring more cashiers again, which worked previously, they resorted to more technology and hiring more security to catch people skip scanning or at other forms of theft. This has led to massive amounts of false accusations, in addition to the real thefts, and when the thefts are real, and they get caught, they often resort to violence, so it endangers both Walmart workers and customers.

Now they're acting as if the rise of shoplifting is happening for some inexplicable reason and even asking police to help them solve this problem, as if it wasn't a problem created by their own policies, and most of the media or politicians aren't pointing out the obvious. This is resulting in a massive increase in arrests, court expenses, and prison expenses, which Walmart isn't paying for, effectively meaning we are subsidizing Walmart's high crime problems with tax money. There's no official explanation for why they're behaving so foolishly; but, since this is a for profit corporation it's not hard to speculate about the most likely reason for it, that they're increasing profits for those making the decisions. But, a large portion of the money saved by not hiring cashiers is spent on technology or security to catch thieves; and, if they had to pay the increase in police, courts and prison costs that would reduce or eliminate their savings, and they would almost certainly reverse their policies, because they wouldn't be increasing profits with self-checkout.

This doesn't even include the risk to the health of both their customers and workers when the worst thieves turn violent, in some cases possibly even shooting and killing people. Every year since 2016 has seen more than a hundred shootings at Walmart, and more often than not, this is increasing, while they ignore the causes of their crime problems. These self-checkouts are also making it easier for thieves to put "skimmers" that collect credit or debit card information from customers that enable them to use their cards illegally, but, once again, the customers are stuck with the tab, not Walmart, so they're doing little or nothing to stop this, even though it's a direct result of their bad policies. And furthermore, courts have ruled that Walmart has a right to detain customers even when they have no reason to believe they're shoplifting, if they simply refuse to show receipts, as a matter of principle. At times some lawyers have claimed they need probable cause to ask to see receipts, which, if a customer goes directly from the register, sometimes even when there's a cashier, to the door they can't possibly have. So this means Walmart is under no obligation to assume their paying customers are innocent until proven guilty, which should raise major constitutional questions!

Stacy Mitchell has also compiled a list of other studies about Walmart and how they impact society, Key Studies on Big-Box Retail & Independent Business. To the best of my knowledge Walmart has done as little as they seem to get away with, often relying on rhetoric that isn't backed up with action, when it comes to addressing any of their critics concerns, including crime. One of the responses they’ve come up with is what they call "Restorative Justice" which gives first time shoplifters a chance to avoid being arrested or any criminal record if they take an on line course which costs $400 up front or $500 in payments, plus perhaps, reparations. This has been part of the privatization process and often denies suspects of the due process or access to a lawyer, perhaps even intimidating and extorting from some people that might not even be guilty. Walmart seems to be trying to find a way to turn crime into a profit making situation instead of looking for the most effective ways to reduce it. Making Change at Walmart is asking If you or someone you know has gone through @Walmart's "Restorative Justice" program for first-time suspected shoplifters, send us a DM. 03/30/2017 to ensure that it isn’t doing more harm than good. I did my own review of this program as well at Walmart’s “Restorative Justice” Endangers Public Without Reducing Crime. The following are a list of incidents that occurred in Febuary 2024. According to the "Is Walmart Safe?" the average store in their sampling had 250 incidents per year indicating that these are only a fraction of the crime reports at Walmart, and presumably, the ones most likely to make the news on the internet nationwide. This isn't statistically representative, as the 2006 or the "Rolling Back Prices and Raising Crime Rates?" study or some of the studies cited by Stacy Mitchell; but it does provide some additional information that may help recognize how many problems there are at Walmart.



One hospitalized in Kalamazoo County Mich. Walmart parking lot shooting 02/01/2024

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — One person was taken to the hospital after being shot in broad daylight at a Kalamazoo Walmart.

The shooting happened at the superstore's parking lot on 9th Street in Oshtemo Township, according to Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller Thursday afternoon.

Both the suspect and the victim, who allegedly knew each other, were involved in a fight before the shooting took place, Fuller said. Complete article


UPDATE: Police release name of man found dead in woods near Jasper Tx. Walmart 02/01/2024

JASPER — The Jasper Police Department is releasing the name a man found dead in a wooded area Thursday near the Walmart on West Gibson Street.

Lt. Garrett Foster says 49-year-old Jeremiah Brent Benoi of Temple, near Waco, was slumped over and sitting Indian style with his legs crossed. Police say there's no sign of foul play. He had paraphernalia near him, leading investigators to believe he may have died from a 'possible overdose by chemical means.' A judge has ordered an autopsy.

Someone walking in the area found the body shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday in a wooded area between Walmart and Lee Nails in the 700 block of West Gibson. Complete article


One person stabbed at Walmart store in Columbus Mississippi 02/01/2024

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — Someone stabbed another individual at the Walmart store in Columbus.

This happened on Thursday at approximately 5:00.

The victim went to the hospital. His or her current condition is unknown.

Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said authorities took one person into custody. The suspect's name is unknown at this time. Complete article


Colona man with pocket knife scuffles with police at Davenport Iowa Walmart: Court records 02/01/2024

A 35-year-old Colona man is in custody after police allege he tried to grab a pocket knife during a scuffle with police in Walmart, according to court records.

Donald Hintz III faces a felony charge of interference with official acts – dangerous weapon and a serious misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree theft, court records show.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday, officers were notified about a theft in progress at Walmart, 3101 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport.

Loss-prevention employees were monitoring Hintz, who, police allege, placed a Cricut printer system into his cart and passed all points of sale and walked out of the store without paying. The total value of the printer was $379. Complete article


Walmart store in Pell City Alabama involved in swatting incident 02/01/2024

PELL CITY, Ala. (WBMA) — A Walmart store in Pell City was involved in a swatting incident Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.

The Pell City Police Department said it received a 911 call for an active shooting regarding two to three people in a break room.

Police said the caller gave a detailed accurate description, but 911 dispatch lost contact with them while officers headed to the store.

"This particular swatting call, because it did come in from an actual phone at the 911 center with all the details involved, we really thought there was an active mass shooting at Walmart," said Clay Morris, Pell City police Chief. Complete article

Alabama state rep. introducing swatting bill days after swatting call at Pell City Walmart 02/02/2024


Man injured at Arizona Walmart as argument escalates into food fight 02/02/2024

Bullhead City police said a fight broke out at Walmart on Wednesday, and food was used as a weapon in a violent argument.

On Wednesday at about 5:45 p.m., Bullhead City received reports of a fight at Walmart near State Route 95 and Mohave Drive.

The argument turned into a fight between two men who knew each other and already had ongoing issues, according to Bullhead City police spokesperson Emily Fromelt.

Fromelt said a verbal argument escalated when one of the men began throwing onions at the other man and shoppers who tried to break up the fight. Complete article


Police looking for suspect who stole from elderly widow at Covington Wash. Walmart 02/01/2024

COVINGTON, Wash. - Can you help King County Sheriff's detectives give an elderly grieving widow the justice she deserves?

Detectives say she was loading her groceries into her car at the Covington Walmart when her cart was yanked away with her purse in it.

She had several sentimental items in her purse along with $7,000 cash. Soon after, her husband of 50 years, a war hero, passed away.

On Jan. 13, this woman used the victim's stolen credit cards at the Covington Home Depot. Detectives say she is a suspect in multiple thefts but remains unidentified. Complete article


The Onion: Walmart Releases Wolves Into Stores To Manage Shoplifter Density 02/02/2024

BENTONVILLE AR—Confirming the wild animals had been captured and airlifted from forests in Oregon and Montana, Walmart announced it had released wolves into hundreds of it stores this week to help manage shoplifter density.

“Although the issue of retail theft is complex, we believe it’s nothing that a few apex predators can’t handle,” said CEO Doug McMillion, who opened the first crate of the gray wolves in a ceremony at a local Walmart and watched in awe with a group of top shareholders as the majestic creatures bounded out of the carriers, through the aisles, and out of sight.

“Each store will start out with only a handful of gray wolves, but our hope is that over the years, the packs will grow as the number of shoplifters shrinks. We are also optimistic this increase in security will help expedite checkout times as well as keep prices low for those brave enough to venture out to our stores.”

At press time, police officers had reportedly arrived at the store to respond to calls that an organized mob of canids was robbing the meat department. Complete article


QUESTIONABLE ‘Why have that option?’ asks Walmart shopper after being ‘made to look like a criminal’ thanks to self-checkout choice 02/02/2024

A WALMART shopper has claimed that he was made to look like a criminal after being subject to a receipt check.

He said he was asked to show the paper after clicking the no receipt option at the store's self-checkout.

Not every Walmart store carries out receipt checks, unlike membership stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club, but the inspections do take place at some stores.

It appears that it’s down to the discretion of store bosses whether to carry out the checks.

Eddie Wolfreys (@Eddiee_91) asked the retailer why shoppers can choose not to receive a receipt but are then subject to the inspection.

“Pain in the a** when you’re made to look like a criminal when attempting to leave the store,” he fumed on X, formerly Twitter. Complete article


BOXED OUT ‘It took me 20 minutes to purchase soap,’ Walmart shopper fumes after being forced to keep the product in locked box 02/02/2024

Toothbrushes, deodorant, and electronics have been spotted behind anti-theft glass.

A WALMART shopper was left fuming after they were forced to keep an item in an anti-theft device during checkout.

The shopper uploaded the video to TikTok, showing their Walmart haul - but the biggest eye sore was the box of Dove soap. The soap was still locked in an anti-theft box.

"It took me 20 minutes to purse soap," read the onscreen text on the video @GastricSleeveGrammy uploaded.

Shoppers have to call an employee to retrieve the item from the locked box, lengthening the time spent in the store. Complete article


Walmart closing central Ohio store after falling short of ‘financial expectations’ 02/02/2024

PHOTOS: Los Gatos Ca. police arrest woman accused of stealing from CVS, Safeway, Walmart 02/01/2024

N.J. man who passed fake $20, $50 bills at Walmart, CVS headed to prison 02/02/2024

Bomb Threat at Centre Alabama Walmart Friday Morning 02/02/2024

Man found dead inside vehicle in South Bay Ca. Walmart parking lot 02/02/2024

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — An investigation is underway after a man was found dead inside his parked vehicle at a Walmart in Chula Vista on Friday, police said.

Around 2:18 p.m., authorities received a call from Walmart security at 1150 Broadway, the Chula Vista Police Department confirmed to FOX 5.

When first responders arrived on scene, the man, identified as a 53-year-old Chula Vista resident, was pronounced dead, according to law enforcement.

Authorities do not believe his death to be suspicious at this time. His identity is being withheld until family members have been notified. Complete article


Iron City man charged in Florence Walmart parking lot assault confined to house arrest 02/02/2024

Larry Palmer is accused of running down another man in the store's parking lot, then advancing on him armed with a gun.

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Tennessee man accused of trying to run down a man outside a Florence Walmart store as part of an ongoing dispute appeared before a judge Friday morning. 73-year-old Larry Franklin Palmer is charged with attempted murder against the victim, a 68-year-old Rogersville man.

Palmer, as part of a release order, posted $100,000 bond and was ordered to remain under house arrest until further notice. He will wear an ankle monitor and will only be allowed essential travel outside the home, e.g., medical visits. Palmer must also surrender all firearms and must have no contact with the victim, his family, or his co-workers.

Palmer was arrested the night of Jan. 31, after witnesses say he attempted to run the victim down in his pickup truck after circling the parking lot for some time. Witnesses then say Palmer exited his truck armed with a revolver. The victim then ran into the Walmart for help.

The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released. Complete article


SUV flips near NC Walmart 02/03/2024

No one was injured in a rollover wreck near Walmart in Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon. The two-vehicle wreck occurred at the intersection of Turner Street and Commerce Avenue just before 2:30 p.m.

Southern Pines and Aberdeen fire departments arrived to find a Toyota RAV4 had rolled over onto its roof after impact with another vehicle. A Toyota Corolla with front-end damage was nearby. All the occupants were out of both vehicles and uninjured. Commerce Street was shut down in the area of the wreck.

Southern Pines Police are investigating the wreck. Complete article


Violent Brawl Breaks Out at Walmart 02/03/2024

Amass brawl has broken out in an unknown Walmart store, according to videos posted online.

A clip posted numerous times on X, formerly Twitter, in recent days shows a huge brawl between shoppers at a self-checkout area. The footage shows at least seven people participating in the fight. Newsweek has been as yet unable to find out exactly when or where the video was taken. The reason for why the fight broke out is not clear.

A spokesperson for Walmart told Newsweek: "The safety of our associates and customers is our top priority. Violence in our stores is never tolerated."

Clips of fights in grocery stores are common online. In September 2023, a fight involving around 25 people inside a Walmart store went viral across social media. The brawl also took place at a self-checkout, according to reporting by Dextero gaming news outlet, which described the fight as "Walmart's version of Avengers Endgame". Complete article


PROOF OF SALE I was forced to get 2 Walmart receipts because of ‘wild’ little-known self-checkout rule every shopper has to follow 02/05/2024

A WALMART shopper has revealed a little-known self-checkout policy that means customers have double the work and two receipts.

Shoppers regularly take to social media platforms such as TikTok to vent their frustrations about self-checkouts but this complaint is slightly different.

Rather than complaining about long lines, anti-theft measures, or technology glitches, this TikToker revealed that she was forced to get two receipts at the checkout.

Courtney (@raisingreynauds) is a mom of three, shopping to feed a family of five.

In one of her videos, Courtney revealed how her grocery trip became even more challenging due to a little-known self-checkout rule.

"Did you know that you can only have 125 items at one time at the self-checkout at Walmart?" she captioned the video. Complete article


Walmart to close South High Street Columbus Ohio location on Feb. 16 02/02/2024

Duo Steals Over $4200 of Merchandise from Pa. Walmart 02/03/2024

Police seek info on pair after computers stolen from Walmart in Hope Mills NC 02/04/2024

SC man sentenced for assault on woman that sent her running barefoot, bleeding into Walmart 02/05/2024 Investigators said the victim eventually escaped from Funderburk on Aug. 28, 2021, when she ran barefoot and bleeding into the Walmart near Tanger Outlets in Horry County.

Man fires gun outside Millington Tenn. Walmart, police say 02/05/2024

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was arrested early Sunday morning after police say he fired a gun outside a Walmart in Millington.

Brian Williamson, 49, was charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, possession of a handgun while intoxicated and public intoxication.

Witnesses told Millington Police that they saw a man fire a single shot in the air near the grocery entrance. One witness said the suspect was also yelling and stumbling and put a black revolver in a jacket pocket.

When officers arrived at the store, they said Williamson was standing near the grocery doors and appeared unsteady on his feet. Complete article


JCPD: Man pulls gun in Tenn. Walmart, charged with aggravated robbery 02/05/2024

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man was charged with aggravated robbery after police say he pulled a gun out while inside a Johnson City Walmart on Saturday.

According to a news release from the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), officers responded to Walmart on Browns Mill Road just after 8 p.m. regarding a shoplifter.

Upon police arrival, loss prevention employees told officers that a man, identified by the JCPD as Jonathan Cox, 29, of Fall Branch, was confronted for attempting to leave the store without paying for items.

Cox then allegedly pulled a gun from a holster that he was wearing on his side, the JCPD reported. Employees then stepped away, and Cox left the store. Complete article


Man with samurai sword making threats arrested in Wash. Walmart, police say 02/05/2024

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — A man wielding a samurai sword and threatening to hurt people was arrested after he entered a Walmart store in southwest Washington state, police said.

Multiple people called 911 around 5:30 p.m. Sunday about a man walking in Vancouver traffic with the sword while screaming and making threats to injure people, Vancouver police said Monday in a news release.

The man walked into the Walmart just before police arrived. Officers started evacuating the store, quickly found the man and got him to surrender. No one was hurt, police said. Complete article


Police: Man hid in Springville Utah Walmart until close, escaped with loaded cart 02/05/2024

SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Feb. 5, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Police are asking for help identifying a man accused of hiding inside Walmart until it closed and then leaving with a cart full of stolen items.

Springville police shared a photo of the alleged offender in a social media post that references the 2000 film “Where the Heart Is starring Natalie Portman as pregnant teen Novalee Nation, who moves into an Oklahoma Walmart and gives birth to her daughter, Americus.

“Anyways, this guy decided to stay in the Wal-Mart last night, but instead of giving birth to Americus, he stole a whole cart of items and left the store after it was closed through the fire escape door,” the post says. “He then drove his SUV somewhere away from Walmart. Maybe home?” Complete article


NEVER AGAIN ‘I boycotted Walmart for 23 years’ but just went back – then they messed up so bad I ‘refuse’ to give them another cent 02/06/2024

A WALMART critic had refrained from shopping at the retailer for over 20 years, and finally gave them another chance.

After encountering endless order issues with their recent delivery, the customer resumed their Walmart boycott.

A recent problematic delivery order reaffirmed a long-time Walmart critic's opinion of the retailer.

In a post to X, the shopper described the situation.

They had ordered a Paris Hilton "That's Hot" mug and frother set, but instead received a popcorn maker.

Chatting online with an employee didn't fix the situation, so the customer called the store but was told that the items were sold out. Complete article


WFD called to Ill. Walmart 02/04/2024

Drunken Rome Man Jailed After Asking for Money at Ga. Walmart 02/05/2024

Officers seek info about woman linked to theft at Walmart in Hillsborough, NC, police say 02/05/2024

Three men accused of committing retail theft at Pa. Walmart 02/06/2024

Deputies looking for shoplifters accused of stealing from Port Allen La. Walmart 02/05/2024

Suspect hospitalized following officer-involved shooting at Walmart in Surprise Ariz. 02/06/2024

SURPRISE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — A suspect is injured after a shooting involving police on Tuesday afternoon outside a Walmart store in Surprise.

Police have not yet said what led up to the shooting, but fire crews were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter on Bell Road near Grand Avenue (U.S. 60) shortly before 4 p.m. Video from the scene shows a portion of the store parking lot taped off.

Surprise police say the suspect’s injuries are not considered life-threatening. No officers were hurt.

This is the second officer-involved shooting at the same store in less than a year. Late last March, a 28-year-old man was shot and killed after police said he threatened officers.

This is the eighth officer-involved shooting in Maricopa County this year and 11th statewide. Complete article


Man accused of stabbing, carjacking victim he met in parking lot of Miami-Dade Walmart 02/06/2024

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 56-year-old man was arrested over the weekend after he stabbed and carjacked another man who he met in the parking lot of a Walmart in Miami-Dade County, authorities said.

According to the suspect’s arrest report, Nelson Angel Bellon, of Miami, approached the victim Saturday night in the parking lot of a Walmart, located at 9191 W. Flagler St. and asked the victim for a ride.

Miami-Dade police said the victim agreed and Bellon instructed the victim where to go.

But police said things took a turn when Bellon allegedly ordered the victim to stop the car and get out.

Police said he then pulled out a red box cutter and stabbed the victim in the torso. Complete article


Head injury: 2-year-old reportedly fell out of shopping cart at Wood River Ill. Walmart store 02/07/2024

WOOD RIVER — A toddler was airlifted from the Wood River Walmart store, 610 Wesley Drive, Tuesday evening after they reportedly fell out of a shopping cart.

Firefighters were called about 4:55 p.m. to the gardening entrance to the store and found a toddler, reportedly 2 years old, who had fallen onto their head. They immediately called for a helicopter ambulance and at 5:18 an Air Evac Lifeteam chopper from Maryville landed on a roadway near the store.

Police helped clear and maintain a landing zone. The toddler was airlifted to St. Louis Children's Hospital at 5:33 p.m. No further information on the child's condition was available Wednesday morning. Complete article


MAKE IT MAKE SENSE ‘What happens if I don’t show my receipt?’ Walmart shopper asks worker – and she’s left baffled by his response 02/07/2024

A WALMART shopper has been left baffled by an employee's response after curiosity about receipt checks got the better of her.

The anti-theft measure, which is slowly being adopted by more retailers, has become a flashpoint for some shoppers.

TikToker Rochelle Wiles (@rochellewiles) posted a video about what would happen if she denied a request to check her receipt.

While on a shopping trip to Walmart, Wiles decided to ask an employee about the measure.

"I just paid for everything, so just curious, if they ask me do I still have to show my receipt?" she asked.

The employee then reportedly informed her that it is mandatory for customers to show their receipts when asked. ....

"You guys are pretty much telling me that even though I just paid for it all, I'm still a criminal if I don't show my receipt."

The law surrounding receipt checks and refusing to partake in them is a gray area. .....

Attorney Bryan Waldman has addressed the law known as "shopkeeper's privilege" which is relevant to receipt checks.

"There is nothing the store owners or employees can do to make you show them the receipt unless you're at one of these big box stores where you have a membership," he told local CBS affiliate WLNS-TV.

However, customers who refuse could see themselves tangled up in the shopkeeper's privilege law that allows stores to detain customers they believe have committed a crime.

"If you don't show the receipt, the store owner is going to be more suspicious and say that's even more reason to believe that you've committed a crime." Complete article This employee is clearly wrong; and even this legal adviser may be partly mistaken. In order to demand a receipt, according to several more credible sources, they need probable cause to believe you're stealing. We're supposed to be "innocent until proven guilty," especially if people walk straight from the register to the door and most people do, and this customer pointed out. Refusing to show a receipt is not probable cause, and if store owners have the right to detain or kidnap paying customers we have a big problem.


End near for homeless camp near Idaho Walmart (WITH VIDEO) 02/07/2024

Clarkston mayor declares ‘civil emergency,’ which will allow city to clear camp near Walmart; some at meeting raise objections to move.

The homeless issue in Clarkston reached a boiling point Tuesday after Mayor Monika Lawrence declared a “civil emergency,” and the council passed an ordinance that makes camping near Walmart on private property illegal.

Although no public comments were allowed at the special meeting, many in the overflow crowd at Clarkston City Hall demanded answers after learning the homeless camp in the port area will be cleared this week and anyone who remains there will be considered a trespasser.

City Administrator Steve Austin addressed the crowd, saying the decision was triggered by the recent discovery that a stretch of right of way at the end of 10th Street is privately owned and not public property.

Unhoused individuals and concerned community members wanted to know where the 75 or more people living at the camp should go. Many people were angered by the city’s latest move.

“It’s horrible,” said Taya Maddan, of Clarkston. “This is so messed up.” Complete article


Walmart's facial ID tool to combat fraudulent Spark delivery drivers is kicking legitimate workers off the app 02/02/2024

Walmart has spent months testing and rolling out a facial recognition tool to verify its Spark drivers.

But some say the feature didn't recognize them, leading Walmart to deactivate their accounts.

Some Spark drivers appear to be using accounts under other peoples' names, Business Insider previously reported.

Last Thursday, Walmart's Spark app prompted Chastity Lopez to take a picture of her face to verify that she was the one using her account.

Lopez has had to do the same thing over the past two months since Walmart started using the feature nationally to verify the identity of delivery workers like her. But on Thursday, it rejected her photo three times, then deactivated her Spark account.

"It said the lighting wasn't good, and I was in pure lighting," Lopez, who had delivered for Spark in upstate New York, told Business Insider. "I even went outside with the sun. Still, nothing." Lopez now can't take on deliveries for Spark, which she's been doing since 2021. Complete article


Snoop Dogg and Master P sue Walmart and Post Foods over Snoop Cereal sabotage allegations 02/06/2024

Rappers Snoop Dogg and Master P filed a lawsuit against Walmart and Post Foods over Snoop Cereal Tuesday, alleging "deceptive practice" of hiding their products from consumers.

Since the two rappers founded Broadus Foods in 2022 "with the vision of creating a family-owned company that promotes diversity in the food industry," the company has since introduced cereal and oatmeal products as well as other breakfast foods.

"This is about minority-owned companies getting their fair share," Master P, whose real name is Percy Robert Miller Sr., said during a news conference Tuesday.

At the heart of the issue lies anecdotal evidence from fans nationwide, expressing dismay at the absence of Snoop Cereal on Walmart shelves.

"At dozens of Walmarts, all around America … everybody went saying, 'Where's Snoop Cereal?'" Attorney Ben Crump said. He also pointed out instances in which Snoop's cereal varieties, such as "Fruity Hoopz" and "Cinnamon Toastees," were allegedly concealed in stock rooms while competing brands remained prominently displayed. Complete article


Walmart Shopper Reveals "Wild" Self-Checkout Restriction 02/06/2024

Felony larceny reported at Walmart in Hillsborough, NC police say 02/06/2024

Police have identified the Richlands NC Walmart larceny suspect 02/06/2024

Port Arthur Tx. Police asking for public's help to identify Walmart thief 02/06/2024

North Carolina sex offender wanted after exposing himself to woman in Walmart parking lot, Burlington officers say 02/06/2024

Death investigation at Walmart in Punta Gorda Fla. 02/07/2024

The Punta Gorda Police Department is at the scene of a death investigation at the Walmart on Taylor Road.

According to the PGPD, authorities got to the Walmart on 5001 Taylor Road at about 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Authorities said this is an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public. Complete article


Md. Walmart carjacking raises alarm over increasing violent crimes against the elderly 02/07/2024

(WBFF) — A 69-year-old female was carjacked at the Walmart on Governor Ritchie Highway on Friday.

The suspect pulled the victim out of her car at knife point, according to Anne Arundel Police.

He was later arrested after a short chase.

However, the carjacking which happened Friday, is raising concerns about recent crimes against the elderly. Complete article


Fired Suffolk Va. cop appears on charge of bilking Walmart 02/07/2024

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A former Suffolk Police officer was in court Wednesday, charged with obtaining more than $1,000 under false pretenses.

A trial date on the felony charge for Marco Leslie, 30, was set for May 15, but his attorney said the case may be settled prior to that.

Leslie was a city police officer for more than six years until he was terminated in September. According to court documents and defense attorney Tim Anderson, Leslie’s charge is that he was “working at Walmart while he was on duty as a school resource officer at the same time.”

Court papers indicate the double-dipping happened last June. Leslie was arrested in August and then terminated as a Suffolk officer in September. Complete article


‘No, I’m doing your job’: Woman confronts Walmart receipt-checker for having to do their job at self-checkout 02/0/2024

A woman clapped back at a Walmart worker who asked for her receipt at the exit in a viral TikTok video. Viewers said her reaction was warranted.

At more and more retailers across the country, you’re more likely to end up in a self-checkout line than have an employee handle the transaction. While some people prefer it this way (hello to all the introverts and socially anxious peeps), others are getting fed up with having to do the work of a cashier any time they want to pick up a few items at Target or Walmart.

Several customers have called out companies for this practice, including fashion brands like Zara and Bershka for making them remove clothing tags at self-checkout. Others have noted the discomfort of having an employee hovering over them in the self-checkout aisle. And one guy was bold enough to admit that he steals from Walmart self-checkout every time because they’re putting him to work.

Well, one Texas woman wasn’t having it.

As Dionne (@dionnelaw) made her way out of Walmart after going through self-checkout an employee asked to see her receipt. Some stores do this to verify that customers don’t have any stolen items in their cart.

“No, you can’t. You not gone harass me about no $3 thing of water. I got all these groceries in a sec. You think I’m stealing some $3 water?” Dionne says to the Walmart employee. “You can’t check my receipt.”

When the employee responds saying she’s just doing her job, Dionne one-ups her.

“No, I’m doing your job. See, they need to have you on the register. Y’all got Grandmama sitting on that register with 15 people behind it and nobody is checking. Don’t bother me today,” Dionne tells the employee as she walks out. Complete article


2 employees accused of stealing from Alabama Neighborhood Walmart 02/06/2024

2 men arrested for shooting at Walmart in Cave Creek Ariz. last month 02/07/2024

Convicted thief from Texas arrested in theft of pressure washer from Fla. Walmart 02/07/2024

Detectives seeking Fla. Walmart ’skip scanner’ who fled store wearing cheetah-print leggings 02/08/2024

One Injured After Accidental Discharge Of Gun In Copperas Cove Tx. Walmart Parking Lot 02/08/2024

An individual attempting to holster their pistol accidentally shot themselves in the Copperas Cove Walmart Supercenter parking lot on Monday evening, Feb. 5.

According to Lt. Krystal Baker with the Copperas Cove Police Department said that the individual suffered a non-life-threatening, self-inflicted injury.

“Thankfully, there were no injuries to anyone else, and no property damage,” Lt. Baker said in an email. “As of now, no charges have been filed.” Complete article


Police investigate swatting incident at Walmart in York County Pa. 02/08/2024

NEWBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police in York County say they're investigating a swatting call. Swatting is when someone makes a hoax call to prompt a police response.

Officers responded around 6 p.m. Thursday to the Walmart on Newberry Parkway in Newberry Township. The store was evacuated while officers searched for any threat.

It was eventually determined the information reported in a 911 call wasn't credible, police said. Complete article


2 masked men with firearms arrested at Trussville Alabama Walmart 02/08/2024

TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - Two men have been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after an incident at the Trussville Walmart on Monday.

According to the Trussville Police Department, two men entered Walmart, located 5919 at Trussville Crossings Pkwy., on Feb. 5 with their faces and bodies covered. Both men had firearms exposed and were seen grabbing their guns in a threatening manner while customers were in the store.

TPD says 18-year-old Samuel Densmore and 21-year-old Michael Hubbard, both of Birmingham, were arrested for disorderly conduct. Complete article


Longmont woman reportedly attempts to stab police officer at Colorado Walmart 02/08/2024

A Longmont woman has been charged with assault after reportedly trying to stab a police officer with a knife at Walmart.

Robin Niver, 53, is charged with attempted first-degree assault, first-degree assault of a peace officer, aggravated robbery, unlawful carry of a concealed weapon, theft, and obstruction of police.

Niver was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder but prosecutors elected not to file any attempted murder counts.

According to an affidavit, at 12:03 p.m. Dec. 19, Longmont police were dispatched to Walmart on 2514 Main St. to investigate a theft. Dispatch advised that there was a woman who had pushed a shopping cart filled with stolen merchandise out the door of Walmart.

The officer who initially responded to the scene observed Niver on the west sidewalk of Main Street, pushing a cart. According to the affidavit, the officer pulled onto 23rd Avenue to get in front of her, but when he stepped out of the car, Niver ran southbound. The officer ran after her while identifying himself as the Longmont police, and told her to stop two times. Complete article


Fla. Walmart employee wouldn’t stop groping co-workers, lawsuit says. Now, company must pay 02/09/2024

A Walmart employee wouldn’t stop groping at least three women he worked with at a store in northern Florida and constantly made sexual comments toward them, according to a newly settled federal lawsuit.

A few months after one woman was hired as a sales associate, the employee began lewdly commenting on her body and “would run his fingers down her back, brush up against her, slap her buttocks, and put his hands on her hips while passing her,” the lawsuit said.

When the woman complained about the relentless behavior to upper management at the Walmart in DeFuniak Springs, she wasn’t taken seriously, according to an amended complaint filed on her behalf by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The sexual harassment “continued and escalated,” the complaint said. Complete article


Birds take up residence inside Canada Walmart 02/08/2024

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Shoppers at a Walmart store in Saskatchewan were surprised to discover the store has some new residents -- birds.

The birds have been flying around in recent days inside the Preston Crossing Walmart in Saskatoon.

Jan Shadick, executive director with Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, said the birds likely aren't inside the store by accident.

"When it's minus 50 out in Saskatchewan they're not crazy, they're going to be looking for somewhere warm," Shadick told CTV News.

Shadick said the best thing to do for the birds is to ignore them, as they would be difficult to evict. She said people should only be concerned if they spot the birds landing on the floor. Complete article


Homeless encampment near Mich. Walmart forced to clear out 02/09/2024

THREE RIVERS — A homeless encampment that has been in place near the Walmart store in Three Rivers were forced to begin the process of clearing out Tuesday.

According to residents of the encampment who spoke with the Commercial-News, officers from Michigan State Police and the Three Rivers Police Department had showed up to the encampment Tuesday requesting that the encampment, located between the AutoZone and Walmart stores in a wooded area on Fabius Township land, be cleared out, but reportedly did not give a reason why at the time.

“The officers were very nice, there were state troopers and a Three Rivers officer,” Wendy Alexander, a resident of the encampment along with her husband Jerry, said. “One of the state troopers, you could tell in his heart he did not want to do this, he was like, ‘I don’t want to rush you and I don’t want to do this,’ but I don’t even know what happened. We don’t even know what happened.” Complete article


REQUEST DENIED ‘I walked off and left a cart full stuff’ Walmart shopper fumes after asking two questions about self-checkout to staff 02/09/2024

A WALMART shopper has told how they walked out after asking an employee just two questions.

The customer slammed the "hateful" worker for their unprofessional attitude before heading straight for the exit - leaving her shopping cart behind.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the user recalled the exchange with the employee at the retail giant.

"It was Walmart market place," they began.

"They only have one regular checkout that wasn't manned.

"I asked if any was available for checkout she said no and to use the self-checkout.

"I [then] asked if she wanted to scan my items.

"She very hatefully told me I will not do it [as] it isn't my job.

"So I walked out." Complete article


Vornado recalls 2 million garment steamers sold at Walmart, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond due to serious burn risk 02/08/2024

Vornado is recalling two million garment steamers sold by retailers nationwide because they can spew hot water while heating or in use, posing a serious burn hazard to those nearby.

The recall involves Steamfast, Vornado and Sharper Image-branded steamers sold at retailers including Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart and Amazon, according to the notice posted Thursday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Vornado has received 122 reports of hot water spraying or spitting from the steam nozzle, including 23 reports of burn injuries, the Andover, Kansas-based importer of the products manufactured in China stated. Complete article


Osceola Iowa Walmart evacuated after bomb threat 02/08/2024

Sanford Fla. police searching for man who walked out of Walmart with nearly $2,500 worth of jewelry 02/08/2024

Six arrested for alleged retail theft at Pa. Walmart 02/09/2024

Serial flasher charged again after incident at Morganton NC Walmart 02/08/2024

Gastonia NC police officer assaulted during arrest at Walmart 02/09/2024

GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia Police Officer was assaulted during an arrest Friday evening, according to a release.

Police said an officer was wedged between a fleeing vehicle and a parked car as a suspect tired to leave the scene in the middle of an arrest.

Officials say Sherella Janice Dudley stolen various items from the Walmart on North Myrtle School Road with her children. Complete article


Man attacks WV Walmart employees, charged with battery 02/08/2024

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - A Monongalia County man was charged with battery and disorderly conduct after attacking two Walmart employees.

On February 7th, police were called to the Walmart in the University Town Center about a man who was trespassing in the store.

Police say an employee had advised local man Joseph Hailey III that he was trespassing, and he then punched an elbowed them in the face causing injuries. Complete article


Geneva NY Walmart employee accused of giving away merchandise through voiding scheme at register 02/09/2024

Deputies arrested a Geneva resident following an investigation at the Walmart store there.

According to a news release, Andrea Ximena Lema-Sanango, 20, of Geneva was charged with first-degree falsifying business records, which is a felony, after intentionally voiding items at the store, then giving them to customers.

Deputies say Lema-Sanango was working at the Walmart store while the larcenies occurred. Complete article


Driver in 130 mph chase tried to hide car in Walmart parking lot near Tarboro, NC, deputies say 02/10/2024

TARBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — A Halifax man whose driver’s license was already revoked was arrested late Friday night after a chase in Edgecombe County hit speeds of 130 mph, according to deputies.

The incident began when a deputy tried to stop a speeding driver along U.S. 258 at Saralee Road, which is just south of Tarboro, according to a news release from the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of a red Nissan sedan refused to stop and the chase began — with the driver trying to hide out by stopping at the Walmart parking lot at the U.S. 64 interchange, officials said. Complete article


STEP BY STEP ‘It’s not policy,’ says Walmart employee giving shoppers receipt check ‘PSA’ – and exact steps to take after checkout 02/09/2024

A WALMART employee gave shoppers having issues leaving the store a PSA, revealing the exact steps to take after checkout.

Customers have complained about workers of the retail giant stopping people from leaving the store to check their receipts. While retailers claim this is done to prevent theft, many customers feel they're being treated as criminals.

"I have been seeing a lot of Walmart TikToks and I just want to give everyone a little quick PSA," said TikTok user @Nikifm27.

"You do not have to show them your receipt as you walk out," said Niki. "I repeat, you do not have to show your receipt as you walk out."

Niki explained that it's not in Walmart's policy to check receipts, however, it is for Sam's Club as it's a membership-based retailer. Complete article


HITTING A WALL ‘I don’t play games,’ fumes Walmart shopper in fiery response to receipt-checks – people say he’s within his rights 02/09/2024

A FURIOUS shopper explained exactly why he does not give his receipt to Walmart employees while discussing a shopping trip that ended in a slew of profanities.

The customer is only one of many who have discussed their frustrating receipt-checking experiences at the retail giant. "So I'm leaving Walmart and I don't give my receipt when I leave," TikToker AngryColletor (@angrycolletor) explained in a video from 2022.

"I'm not rude to the people at the door, but I don't give my receipt.

He then began to give an example of a time he was asked to show his receipt at Walmart.

The shopper explained that once, an employee asked him for his receipt and he responded: "'No, I'm going to Costco, I'll show them my receipt cause I signed a contract with them while I show it to them. But you have a good day.'" Complete article


STEER CLEAR OF ‘I recommend boycotting Walmart’, says shopper forced to show receipt after using cashier – & self-checkout is to blame 02/11/2024

A SHOPPER has recommended boycotting a major retailer after getting tired of having bad experiences at self-checkout.

As Walmart and other stores across the country have embraced self-checkout as an affordable alternative to regular cashiers, many shoppers across the country have complained about the machines — or even decided to stop shopping at stores where they are most used.

The kiosks can lead to long lines, items ringing up mispriced, or shoppers getting mistakenly accused of shoplifting, according to some users on social media.

Shoppers commiserated about the difficulties of self-checkout in a recent Reddit thread about Dollar General deciding to backtrack on the rollout of the machines. ....

"Walmart makes you line up to show them your receipt even if you didn’t use self-check," HirsuteLip (u/HirsuteLip) commented.

Several people upvoted the comment and left their own responses.

"You don’t have to stop, at Sam’s and Costco you do because those are private memberships and it’s agreed in the terms but Walmart can not stop you," one person agreed. Complete article


STOPPED SHORT ‘Shoplifters suck!’ fumes Walmart customer who wasn’t able to get groceries due to inconvenient anti-theft measure 02/10/2024

A FRUSTRATED Walmart shopper's plan to exit the door he parked nearest to was interrupted by shoplifters.

The smart thinker was unable to leave from the planned door because Walmart started gating it up early because of the high number of thieves that day.

A TikToker Mr Sunset (@mrsunset5of7) shared his frustrating situation and he was informed it was due to theft.

He was locked from the doors he planned to exit while at a Walmart in Renton, Washington, about 15 miles south of Seattle.

“The side of the store I walked in the gates were open when I walked in,” Mr Sunset said in the video.

“And I’m like perfect. I’m fairly close to this door.

"I’ll have no problem when I leave cause they don’t close those doors until 9:00.”

However, his plan did not go as expected as employees started to lock the door before his estimated 9 pm.

This led him to conversate with a police officer over why it was being shut early.

The police officer told him that the doors close depending on the amount of shoplifters there are. Complete article


New antitheft measure at Walmart & Target may stop thieves from cheating self-checkout with easy, low-tech store change 02/10/2024

A CREATIVE low-tech anti-theft measure strategically stops thieves and sees success quickly.

New York Police Department detectives created a WhatsApp group for retailers located in the Bronx, New York, to send photos/videos of theft occurring in real-time to identify people better and catch them.

The anti-theft measure utilizes direct contact and keeping a log of it on WhatsApp.

It is a pilot that has been offered to retailers for a few weeks and has already seen success with arrests, New York Post reported.

Large retailers like Walmart and Target along with smaller retailers can use the chat to report the thieves.

The pilot comes as theft rates have risen in the Bronx but calling 911 was not working to catch the thieves. Complete article


NO REGRET ‘Call me what you want,’ says Walmart shopper as she refuses to show receipt when leaving – workers can’t do anything 02/12/2024

MORE Walmart shoppers have refused to show their receipts when leaving the store.

One customer said she just doesn’t feel like stopping anymore.

Receipt checks continue to be blasted by shoppers across the country, as major retailers have relied on the policy as an effort to curb shoplifting.

However, many are growing tired of the security measure.

One woman turned to TikTok to air out her frustrations, saying she doesn’t want to comply with the policy every time she visits her local Walmart.

Grayson (@gdog22) started out the video saying she didn’t want to seem like “Karen” – a nickname used to described entitled middle-class white women – but needed to share her complaints. Complete article


Eureka Walmart denies union busting in response to labor board complaint 02/10/2024

After the National Labor Relations Board accused the Eureka Walmart of union busting, the company denied all allegations in a response filed on Tuesday.

The complaint accused management of threatening workers over placing union flyers in the breakroom, tearing up the flyers in front of the employees, demanding information about possible unionization efforts and formally barring distribution of union literature. Categorically denying all the complaint’s allegations, Walmart’s response accused the board of depriving them of due process and filing a frivolous complaint.

“The Complaint, and underlying Charge, are frivolous and were filed and made in bad faith, and for vexatious and improper purposes, including to infringe upon Walmart’s statutory and constitutional rights and the operation of its business,” the answer to the complaint said.

Walmart issued thirteen defenses against the complaint – which specifically accuses the company of interrogation, unlawful discharge and coercive statements and actions – which include calling the allegations vague and ambiguous and said the complaint was issued without giving them adequate notice. Additionally, the response said the complaint infringed upon the company’s free speech rights.

The NLRB and Walmart — the nation’s largest private employer — are scheduled for a hearing before an administrative law judge on May 14, but they could discuss a possible settlement prior to the hearing. Complete article

Walmart denies union busting 02/11/2024


Costco, Trader Joe's and Walmart products made with cheese linked to deadly listeria outbreak 02/09/2024

A sweeping recall of dairy products linked to a lethal listeria outbreak is expanding to foods sold at major retailers including Costco, Trader Joe's and Walmart.

The latest items being recalled include dips, dressings, salad and taco kits sold at the grocery chains and follows a recall of nearly 60 cheese and dairy products by Modesto, Calif.-based Rizo-López Foods earlier this week. That came as federal health officials said new evidence had linked the company's products to a listeria outbreak first detected nearly a decade ago.

At least 26 people in 11 states have been stricken in the ongoing outbreak, with the latest illness occurring in December, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person died in California in 2017, and another fatality occurred in Texas in 2020, the CDC said.

Fresh Express on Friday said it's recalling two salad kits with condiment packs containing the recalled cheese. Complete article


Wanted man jailed for stealing Starbucks drink from Fla. Walmart 02/09/2024

Mitchell SD police investigating hoax bomb threat at Walmart 02/09/2024

Two charged after Walmart thefts in Warsaw NY 02/09/2024

Bennington man accused in 2022 Vermont Walmart hit-and-run of elderly woman takes plea on eve of trial 02/07/2024

Investigates: Local thieves cashing in selling stolen cell phones at local stores including Walmart 02/12/2024

Inside the Death of a 38-Year-Old Walmart Worker 02/11/2024

Man shot to death over fender-bender at California Walmart; woman charged with murder 02/13/2024

Prosecutors have charged a 36-year-old woman with murder in the shooting death of a man in a Walmart parking lot in Highland that followed an altercation over a minor traffic collision, officials said Monday.

The final moments of 59-year-old Jonathan Mauk’s life were spent driving a classic car he had admired — a custom-built 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Supersport gifted by the son who owned it, said Matthew Mauk, who identified himself as one of Mauk’s three sons. His father, a San Bernardino resident, had driven to Walmart on the night of Feb. 5 to get supplies to make beef jerky, the son said.

The elder Mauk was backing up after passing a parking spot when he collided with a car that was backing out of another spot, said San Bernardino police Capt. Nelson Carrington. Mauk got out of his car to apologize to the other driver, said Matthew Mauk, citing a detective he spoke with.

“There was a verbal altercation, and that’s when per witness accounts, the suspect retrieved a firearm and shot the victim,” Carrington said. “It’s my understanding that the suspect is the one who did all of the yelling.” Complete article


Man accused of pointing gun at Walmart employees in Murfreesboro, Tenn., police say 02/12/2024

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) – A man is behind bars after a custody exchange led him to pointing a gun toward employees at a Walmart in Murfreesboro over the weekend, officials said.

According to the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD), the incident took place at the Walmart located in the 100 block of Joe B. Jackson Parkway on Sunday, Feb. 11.

Authorities reported Nicholas Pritchard was at the Walmart to allegedly meet his ex-wife for a custody exchange of his two minor children.

During the exchange, Pritchard allegedly got into a confrontation with three Walmart employees who were collecting shopping carts, police said. Complete article


Severn Walmart Theft Prompts Glen Burnie Md. Gun Arrest: Police 02/12/2024

SEVERN, MD - Police said they arrested a Glen Burnie man on gun charges after a weekend theft at the Severn Walmart, police said.

Officers said they were called to the Walmart, located at 407 George Clauss Blvd., Saturday around 7:05 p.m. for a reported theft.

Authorities said they found the suspect with a loaded .45-caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.

The suspect is prohibited from possessing firearms, the Anne Arundel County Police Department said. Complete article


Sex offender exposes himself in Walmart parking lot, then hits woman’s car, NC cops say 02/12/2024

A sex offender exposed himself at the same location he was arrested about two years prior, according to North Carolina police.

The 36-year-old is accused of exposing himself to a woman outside a Walmart in Burlington, according to a Feb. 7 Burlington Police Department news release. The man was arrested in 2022 after an indecent exposure incident at the same Walmart, police said.

The man, identified as Robert Lloyd May, is listed on the national sex offender registry, according to police.

May exposed himself to a woman walking in the Walmart parking lot, causing her to run in her car to call 911, according to the department.

When May realized the woman was on the phone with a 911 operator, he fled into his truck, police said.

He then rammed into the back of the woman’s vehicle as he escaped the parking lot, police said. The crash caused minor damage to her car, according to the department. Complete article


Houston Tx. Police: Officers respond to crash at Walmart 02/12/2024

On Feb. 8, officers responded to a motor vehicle crash on U.S. 63, near Walmart. A 2008 Dodge Ram operated by Laura Crowley, 54, of Houston, exited the Walmart parking lot onto U.S. 63 and collided with a 2021 GMC Traverse operated by Kayla Bryant, 33, of Mountain Grove. There were no injuries reported. Crowley was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way.

On Feb. 9, officers responded to Walmart for a reported theft. After completing an investigation, it was determined that thefts had occurred on four separate occasions by the same individual. William Shirreffs, 34, of Houston was charged with four counts of Stealing Under $750 for thefts that occurred on Dec. 19, 2023; Dec. 21, 2023; Jan. 18, 2024; and Feb. 2, 2024. Complete article


Man impersonated officer at Ohio Walmart: Police 02/12/2024

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (WJW) – A 41-year-old Lorain County man is accused of impersonating a police officer outside a local Walmart store and then “aggressively following” a man who told police he feared for his life.

According to a North Olmsted police report, on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at about 1:30 p.m., officers were called to the Walmart on Brookpark Road for a report of a traffic altercation.

A man in the parking lot told police that while he was sitting in his Black 2020 BMW, he noticed another man taking a video of his missing rear license plate. The victim told police the suspect was wearing a police uniform sweater, dress pants, and a brown overcoat, so he rolled down his window to speak with him. According to the report, the suspect approached the driver-side window, similar to how a police officer would conduct a traffic stop, and then started yelling at the victim about the missing license plate and said, “You’re going to go to jail.”

The victim told police he felt the interaction was escalating, and he believed the individual he was speaking to was “not a real police officer” so he attempted to leave the Walmart parking lot.

That’s when the suspect, identified as Seth Adams, 41, of Grafton, “charged” towards the moving BMW on foot and then jumped a Silver Volkswagen Jetta and began following the victim at a high rate of speed with orange flashing lights in his front windshield, according to the police report. Complete article


Homeless Camp Fire Behind Ind. Walmart 02/12/2024

(Michigan City, IN) - A fire at a homeless camp was put out by firefighters today, who responded to an area behind the Michigan City Walmart after some employees heard explosions at about 10:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, Michigan City Fire Department spokesperson Tia Free said there was mostly a lot of smoke from smoldering clothes and other similar items. Two tarp tents were on the camp about 500 feet off Cleveland Avenue, with many propane bottles and several heating elements like a propane stove and cast iron wood burning stove probably used in an effort to keep warm.

The explosions heard by Walmart employees were likely from some of the propane bottles rupturing, she said. The brush leading back to the camp was too thick to pull a hose line to the site. As a result, firefighters carried water in backpacks. Complete article


Man tracked with facial recognition software indicted on indecency with a child in Tx. Walmart 02/12/2024

A man who Wichita Falls police tracked down with facial recognition software was indicted on a charge of indecency with a child in an incident in a local Walmart, court documents show.

Edward Peter Leon of Friona was being held Monday in the Wichita County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond, according to online jail records.

A Wichita County grand jury handed down an indictment for indecency with a child by sexual contact against Leon, according to the indictment filed Feb. 7. Complete article


Walmart, Target pushing for new shoplifting crackdown, report says 02/12/2024

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two of the nation’s largest retailers are supporting a campaign that aims to undo Proposition 47, a California voter-approved law that has reduced penalties for many lower-level drug and property crimes -- and has been blamed for a spike in retail theft across the state.

According to Bloomberg News, Walmart Inc. and Target Corp. are the top funders of a proposed ballot measure that would give prosecutors more power to charge accused thieves as felons and force drug users into treatment with the threat of jail time. Complete article


Beyond self-checkout: Walmart and Target take on retail theft 02/13/2024

Retail store clerks are not trained or qualified to detain people suspected of shoplifting. That's something that criminals, both petty and organized, have long exploited.

In many cases, stores have actually instructed workers to not interfere in minor instances of theft. Instead, they ask the employee to report it to store safety personnel who then build a case against the thief.

If shoplifting is accidental, it generally does not happen repeatedly. Many retailers check to see if certain customers have a pattern of not scanning expensive items at self-checkout or leaving a few items on the bottom of their cart.

It's a challenge even for large retailers like Walmart (WMT) and Target because even though they have loss prevention departments, they don't have their own police force. Neither retailer fully shares the steps it takes to prevent shoplifting and retail theft, but in some cases, store employees get the police involved.

A new program being tested by smaller retailers in the Bronx, N.Y., may actually have a solution to at least some of the retail theft problem plaguing both chains. Complete article


Walmart, Energizer must face lawsuits alleging they colluded to inflate battery prices 02/12/2024

Walmart and Energizer were ordered by a US judge to face lawsuits by consumers and retailers accusing them of violating antitrust law by conspiring to raise prices of batteries.

In a decision on Friday, US District Judge P. Casey Pitts said plaintiffs in the three proposed class actions plausibly alleged that in exchange for preferred treatment at its stores, Walmart pressured Energizer to inflate wholesale battery prices and keep other retailers from undercutting it on price.

The plaintiffs said the alleged conspiracy began in 2018, and left other retailers at risk of being cut off by Energizer, the largest US disposable battery maker, if they charged less than Walmart, the world’s largest retailer.

They said it also led to higher prices at checkout from Energizer and Berkshire Hathaway-owned Duracell, which account for 85% of US battery sales. Complete article


FDA cheese recall now includes products sold at Costco, Walmart 02/13/2024

The CDC says 26 illnesses and two deaths are potentially tied to the recalled cotija cheese and queso fresco, with cases reported in 11 states.

A recall involving cotija cheese and queso fresco has grown in recent days as additional companies say they used potentially contaminated cheeses in their products.

The recalls arrived after the Food and Drug Administration urged the public not to consume recalled cheeses, creams or yogurts made by Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there have been 26 illnesses and two deaths potentially tied to the recalled cheeses. The CDC said these products were potentially contaminated with listeria. Complete article


Homer Woman Arrested After Stealing From NY Walmart – Found With Drugs 02/12/2024

Geneva Woman Accused of Taking Items from NY Walmart 02/12/2024

Police looking to identify Berlin Vermont Walmart shoplifters 02/12/2024

2 Florida women with the same name nabbed for stealing at Walmart self-checkout, deputies say 02/13/2024

Theft at Walmart – Woman Arrested on Warrant, Drugs Found During Search in Circleville Ohio 02/13/2024

Threat at Pineville NC Walmart deemed not credible: Police 02/12/2024

Walmart Permanently Closes 2 San Diego Ca. Area Stores 02/12/2024

Court filings: Montgomery teen shot into Alabama Walmart while firing at police officer 02/12/2024

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Court records are shedding new light on Monday’s police pursuit that resulted in gunfire but no injuries.

The criminal complaints against Savion Renardo German allege police were called on him as he was breaking into a car at the Walmart on Eastern Boulevard. Police had previously described it as a suspicious person call.

The court filings state German, who had just turned 19 the day before, ran away from the responding officer. During the resulting foot chase, German allegedly fired several shots at the pursuing officer while he was on the ground, according to the document. Complete article


Michigan woman suspected in vehicle thefts at Walmart, Menards killed after police chase ends in crash 02/13/2024

IONIA, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Police say a woman accused of being part of a group stealing cars from a Walmart and Menards in Ionia has died after a police chase through multiple counties ended in a crash.

According to the Ionia County Sheriff's Office, five people from the Lansing area went to the Walmart store and stole a vehicle on Feb. 11. The suspects then went to the Menards store, where they allegedly stole a second vehicle.

An alert was sent to surrounding counties about the incident, and Clinton County deputies advised that they located the vehicles and were involved in a chase. The pursuit continued through Clinton and Eaton counties and then back to Ionia County, where one of the vehicles eventually stopped. The other vehicle continued on Sunfield Highway near Bippley Road when it lost control and struck a tree.

A woman in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants were taken to a hospital for treatment. Complete article


Bakersfield pair arrested for suspected thefts from Kern Ca. Walmart stores 02/12/2024

2 men to stand trial for New Year’s Eve shooting inside Mich. Walmart 02/13/2024

Merchandise swiped from Walmart in Islandia NY 02/13/2024

Merchandise stolen from Walmart in Commack NY 02/14/2024

Police on lookout for suspects involved with Walmart counterfeit currency incident 02/14/2024

1 seriously injured in Valentine’s Day stabbing at Raleigh NC bus stop near Walmart, suspect on loose 02/14/2024

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — An individual was stabbed at a bus stop on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh on Wednesday night, according to Raleigh police.

According to the Raleigh Police Watch Commander, the bus stop where the stabbing took place is outside of the Walmart Supercenter at 4431 New Bern Avenue.

The victim of the stabbing sustained serious injuries, but is expected to survive.

The watch commander also confirmed that no suspect has been arrested in connection to the stabbing. Complete article


Man threatens SC Walmart employee with gun before stealing two PlayStations, police say 02/15/2024

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — A man is behind bars after threatening a Walmart employee with a gun before stealing two PlayStation 5 consoles in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, according to police.

Travelers Rest police said Donte David Gresham picked up the consoles at the Walmart on Benton Road on Sunday and tried to leave through the rear employee doors.

Police said Gresham was confronted by an employee who asked him to return the products and not shoplift.

The Walmart employee then said that Gresham pulled up his shirt and showed a black handgun in the waistband of his pants. Complete article


Rome Man Found with Gun while Shoplifting at Ga. Walmart 02/15/2024

A convicted felon, Corey Jose July, 32 of Rome, was arrested this week after reports said he was found with a gun while shoplifting at Walmart in West Rome.

Reports added that when officers arrived July refused to cooperate with officers.

July is accused of stealing $114.44 worth of merchandise from the store. Complete article


Mobile Alabama police: Man tries to leave Walmart with concealed items, attacks employee when confronted 02/14/2024

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police arrested a 30-year-old man accused of hitting a Walmart employee during a robbery.

Officers responded to the Walmart at 5245 Rangeline Service Road around 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

According to police, a man, later identified as Emanul Curry, had entered the store, started concealing merchandise then tried to leave. When a store employee intervened, Curry allegedly hit her multiple times with his fist.

The employee was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Complete article


Corsica man accused of threatening to blow up Pa. Walmart 02/15/2024

MONROE TWP. – A 49-year-old Corsica man is facing charges after he was accused of threatening to blow up the Walmart in Monroe Township on Feb. 9.

Jeffrey Scott Keeder was charged with making bomb threats, possessing weapons of mass destruction, making terroristic threats and possessing instruments of a crime with intent to manufacture a bomb.

According to court documents, on Feb. 9 at 2:35 p.m., state police were dispatched to Perkins Road for a report that someone had threatened to blow up the Walmart Supercenter. The report was made by Keeder’s wife, who store employees said appeared fearful as she requested that her husband be followed. Complete article


‘1 star for my delivery driver’: Walmart delivery customer receives item that is still locked up 02/14/2024

At a time when delivery services are growing more and more ubiquitous and retailers’ concerns with theft are coming to a head, one Walmart delivery customer experienced an order mishap at the convergence of the two.

In a video with over one million views and counting, TikTok user Andrew (@andrew_915) features a delivery gone very wrong, involving Polaroid Film and an unexpected guest—a security alarm still attached.

“1 star for my delivery driver,” Andrew cheekily wrote in the clip’s text overlay.

Imagine the anticipation of receiving a new batch of Polaroid Film, only to discover it’s accessorized with a security alarm, clinging on for dear life. The video showcases this peculiar predicament, with Andrew and an unseen accomplice navigating the murky waters of alarm removal. Complete article


‘They are literally scamming us’: Walmart shopper weighs Great Value smoked bacon—realizes it’s almost 5 ounces less than labeled 02/14/2024

Over the past few years, rising food costs have led shoppers to inspect their grocery purchases more closely than ever before. Where customers might have trusted the weight provided on a food packaging label before, now they are weighing items once they get home from the grocery store to see if they are truly getting what they paid for.

Grocery shoppers have already shown some discrepancies between the labels on chicken breasts from their store’s deli aisle and lower-than-labeled weights of chips in bags. Now, one Walmart shopper says her 12-ounce package of bacon came in at just over half of the advertised weight on her kitchen scale.

In a video posted to TikTok, Heather Lynne Foster (@heatherlynnefoster) shows herself weighing out the unopened package of bacon, which came in at around seven ounces both in and out of the wrapping.

“Alright, so get a load of this,” she says in the video. “This is an unopened package of bacon, right. It says that it’s 12 ounces. I picked it up and I was like, hmm, okay, I know these usually come in a pound but I got the 12 ounce instead. It was like $4. I was just curious, because I know everybody keeps saying that we’re not getting screwed, but look at that. That’s with the package.” Complete article


Local Man Arrested for Threatening to Blow Up Clarion Pa. Walmart 02/13/2024

Seneca Falls man arrested after larceny investigation at NY Walmart 02/15/2024

OPD investigating Tx. Walmart phone theft 02/14/2024

Woman accused of retail theft at Pa. Walmart 02/14/2024

Ocoee officer shoots suspect after shoplifting report at Fla. Walmart 02/15/2024

OCOEE, Fla. – Old Winter Garden Road in Ocoee was shut down on Thursday evening after a nearby officer-involved shooting left a shoplifting suspect in the hospital.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Old Winter Garden Road between Hempel Avenue and Good Homes Road.

During a news conference, Acting Police Chief Vincent Ogburn said that officers received a call about a shoplifting incident at a Walmart along Colonial Drive. ....

Police said an officer found the truck on a nearby road, but the suspect’s vehicle struck the officer’s patrol car.

“The officers located the vehicle in one of the surrounding streets. As they tried to stop it, they went into one of the other local parking lots and struck one of the vehicles that was trying to hit him.” .....

As a result, the officer believed the suspect was carrying a weapon, and the officer shot him, Ogburn said. That suspect was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Complete article


Forklift driver killed at North Texas Walmart distribution center, officials say 02/16/2024

FORT WORTH, Texas — A forklift driver died at a Walmart distribution center in Fort Worth on Friday morning, officials said.

Fort Worth Fire Department officials said the driver ended up crushed between a forklift and a pallet rack at the distribution center, located at 15101 North Beach Street in far north Fort Worth.

The incident happened around 6:15 a.m. Friday. Complete article


Man and woman accused of kidnapping at Maine Walmart 02/16/2024

A man and woman have been accused of kidnapping and robbing another woman at the Brunswick Walmart in January.

Katelynn McLaughlin, 30, of Portland has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, aggravated reckless conduct, criminal conspiracy, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and theft by unauthorized taking. Emmanual Hurtado, 33, of Augusta has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, aggravated reckless conduct, criminal conspiracy, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by prohibited person, violation of conditions of release and theft by unauthorized taking, according to Brunswick Police Chief Scott Stewart.

Additional charges are anticipated.

The victim was in her parked vehicle about 11:27 a.m. on Jan. 24 outside Walmart at Cook’s Corner, where she was waiting for McLaughlin, an acquaintance, to arrive, Stewart said Friday morning.

When McLaughlin arrived and got into the victim’s vehicle, she was joined by Hurtado, who allegedly pointed a gun at her and ordered her to drive. Complete article


SAPD looking for man who allegedly threatened driver with hatchet in Tx. Walmart lot 02/15/2024

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police are trying to identify a man who allegedly waved a hatchet at customers outside a northwest-side Walmart in December.

According to a post on the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Facebook page, a car with two occupants was trying to pull into a parking spot at the store near De Zavala and Interstate 10 when it "had to stop abruptly to keep from hitting the cart the suspect was pushing." The occupants of the vehicle got out and all three began to argue before the unidentified man "pulled a hatched from his backpack and threatened to assault them with it."

The man, who is seen wearing a dark-colored shirt in a photo provided by SAPD, then left the scene after boarding a VIA bus. The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. Complete article


Police: Searching for individuals accused of assault at SC Walmart 02/16/2024

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The West Columbia Police Department is searching for two individuals who are accused of assaulting a victim inside a grocery store.

WCPD detectives say they are investigating the alleged assault that happened during the evening hours on Tuesday, Feb.13, at the West Columbia Walmart.

Anyone with information on the identity of either of the individuals is asked to reach out to Detective Shumpert at 803-936-6274 or submit an anonymous tip to Midlands Crimestoppers at crimesc.com or through their P3 tips app. Complete article


The Onion: Texas Woman’s Hair Puffs Up During Confrontation In Walmart Parking Lot To Intimidate Rivals 02/16/2024

GRAPEVINE, TX—In the midst of a skirmish over someone’s cart blocking a parking spot at Walmart, sources confirmed the hair of local woman Deena Platt puffed up to several times its usual size Friday, intimidating her rival female shoppers.

According to witnesses, after Platt paused to take a long drag off her Virginia Slim cigarette, the bouffant atop her heavily made-up face more than tripled in volume, and she towered over a smaller-coiffed Texan in a powerful display of territorial dominance.

Following a tense standoff, Platt’s clumpy-mascaraed eyes are said to have narrowed and her fluffy bangs unrolled into a fan of long, sharp spikes, forcing her opponent to scamper away in defeat. At press time, the impressive display had reportedly landed Platt the attention of several large-hatted potential mates. Complete article


Bellingham Wash. takes legal action to begin clearing massive homeless camp near Walmart 02/15/2024

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A homeless camp marked by shootings, explosions, and drug overdoses now has the city of Bellingham taking legal action to get it cleared.

Tents and makeshift structures are spread out across several wooded acres near E Stuart Road, just behind a Walmart. Neighbors said the encampment reaches back deep into the woods.

“I think it goes from right over there in the woods to stretching almost right behind where my apartment is,” said Amber, who lives nearby and did not want to have her last name used. Complete article


IN CHECK ‘Just keep walking,’ say Walmart shoppers to receipt check haters as 100s of customers agree they’re ‘not obligated’ 02/16/2024

A SHOPPER has ranted on their TikTok about receipt check haters who take their frustrations out on employees.

Jeff Mumm posted a video asking Walmart shoppers, "What is wrong with you people?"

After carrying out his usual weekly shopping at the big-box retailer, Jeff (@jeffmummplumbing) explained in the video how a young female employee at the checkout asked to see his receipt.

He explained that he is always ready to hand it over to the employee on his way out.

"So I hand it to her, she scans a couple of things, takes five seconds out of my life, and she hands it back and I say 'thanks'."

Jeff then explained how the store associate who reminded him of his 20-year-old daughter thanked him for being kind to her as she said, "Everyone yells at me when I ask for the receipt." Complete article


Skimming device found in Yuba County Ca. Walmart spawns fraud investigation 02/15/2024

(FOX40.COM) — The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating an incident that involves a skimming device being attached to a checkout terminal at a Walmart within the county.

According to the sheriff’s office, a Walmart employee contacted the agency after noticing the skimming device on a point-of-sale terminal in the self-checkout aisle around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Walmart where this incident occurred is located in Linda, officials said. Complete article


Saginaw hair stylist files lawsuit against Walmart after being accused of shoplifting 02/15/2024

SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) - A hairdresser has filed a lawsuit against Walmart after employees claimed she was shoplifting.

Brandie Howard went to the Saginaw Township location to find a big enough bin to carry "head mannequins” so she could easily transport them.

But when she attempted to leave the store, Walmart employees believed she had been shoplifting.

No one saw her steal anything, and she brought the three-head mannequins into the store. She also purchased other hair supplies and snacks for her students.

One of the claims of this lawsuit is that she was being racially profiled. Complete article


Stats behind Walmart closures make for worrying reading 02/16/2024

Following the news that more Walmart stores are closing across the US, the statistics behind the closures are quite grim for fans of the megastore.

Last year, the chain store closed 22 locations across 14 states in the United States and it seems as though more are set to follow suit this month.

This comes after Walmart announced that its branch at S. High St. in Columbus, Ohio, in the Great Southern Shopping Center would also close.

Not long before the Ohio closures, two stores, both in San Diego also closed due to the Walmart stores performing poorly financially. Complete article


Woman charged with Ga. Walmart shoplift in drug-induced stupor 02/14/2024

Woman charged with felony for stealing from Pa. Walmart 02/14/2024

Three Men Wanted for Walmart Thefts in Maine Arrested 02/16/2024

Man arrested after suspected fentanyl falls out of his sweatshirt at Colorado Walmart self checkout 02/17/2024

Police respond to shooting in North Co. Missouri Walmart, employee arrested 02/17/2024

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Police responded to a shooting at a Florissant area Walmart late Friday.

Police responded around 10:45 p.m. on Friday to a Walmart located at the 3300 block of US 67 in Florissant for a report of shots being fired inside the store. An officer who was working security at the Walmart notified the Florissant Police and told them he was with a man who had been shot near the front of the store. The officer on scene provided aide to the man until first responders arrived; police reported that the man was shot in his lower extremities, and the wounds were not life-threatening.

Officers searched the store, arrested an employee of the Walmart and recovered a gun. Police state that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Complete article


Officials investigating after worker dies at Wal-Mart distribution center in Spartanburg Co. SC 02/16/2024

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office said one person died Friday after being struck by a piece of equipment at a distribution center.

Officials said the situation happened at a Wal-Mart distribution center along Fort Prince Boulevard in Wellford.

According to officials, the worker was taken to the hospital following the incident, where they passed away from their injuries. The Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old WesLee Locklair of Piedmont. Complete article


Person suffers serious injuries in car fire Sunday in Johnsburg Ill. Walmart parking lot 02/18/2024

A person was flown to a hospital with serious injuries Sunday morning after a car fire Sunday in the Johnsburg Walmart parking lot, according to McHenry Township Fire Protect District.

The McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded to a call at 4:37 a.m. to a report of a car fire at the Johnsburg Walmart at 3801 Running Brook Farm Blvd. A fire engine arrived to the scene within five minutes to car “heavily involved in fire,” according to a news release from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and found a person inside the car, according to the release.

“The person was removed from the vehicle and life-saving measures were started,” according to the release. The person was flown by LifeNet helicopter to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood with serious injuries.

The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation, according to the release. Complete article


VIDEO: Investigation underway after fire broke out inside a Baton Rouge La. Walmart 02/18/2024

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Fire officials are investigating after flames broke out inside a Walmart on Sunday evening, Feb. 18.

The St. George Fire Department said the fire started inside the Walmart on Burbank Drive, located at the intersection of Burbank and Bluebonnet Boulevard, sometime Sunday evening.

A video posted to social media shows dark smoke filling part of the store and large flames reaching nearly to the ceiling. Complete article

Burbank Walmart closed indefinitely following fire after fire causes $9M in damages; prescriptions can be picked up at College Drive store 02/18/2024

Investigators have image of Walmart arsonist, damage in millions 02/21/2024


JCPD: Man wanted on aggravated assault after striking Jefferson City Tenn. police officer's patrol car in a Walmart parking lot 02/18/2024

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — A 53-year-old man from Newport is wanted after assaulting a police officer Saturday night in a Walmart parking lot, according to the Jefferson City Police Department.

JCPD officers responded to a theft complaint at Walmart on East Broadway Blvd. One of the officers encountered James Lee Rucker in the parking lot. Rucker then fled in a black Jeep onto Broadway Blvd. but turned back into the lot at high speed.

According to police, he intentionally struck a JCPD patrol unit head-on. The officer was not injured in the crash.

Rucker fled, again, in the Jeep which was eventually discovered abandoned by White Pine Police.

Police said Rucker is wanted for aggravated assault on a police officer, felony reckless endangerment, theft, leaving the scene of an accident and driving on revoked. Complete article


CHECKED OUT ‘Hell no,’ say Walmart shoppers tired of being forced to show their receipts – as they insist store policy is ‘not law’ 02/16/2024

SHOPPERS have shared their frustration over Walmart's receipt check policy - insisting it is "not the law."

One Walmart customer recorded a heated encounter with an employee, stating he did not have to follow the store's rule.

"It is Walmart policy, not law," he said in the video.

"I am able to sit there and all I have to do is respond and say 'no thank you.' Once I purchase an item at the register it becomes my property."

The angry customer revealed that he had a similar issue with the retailer before.

He believed that after a previous altercation with management, they would have told the employees that saying "no thank you" should be enough to leave the store.

The TikToker revealed that he would only show his receipt if he was being accused of shoplifting.

"Now if you think I'm stealing, We'll have the cops called and everything else, and I'll sit here and tell them, and then I'd open up Walmart for a lawsuit," he threatened the worker. Complete article


'LIKE A THIEF' ‘You were singling me out’ says wife who was asked for receipt check at Walmart – but didn’t do the same for her husband 02/18/2024

A WOMAN felt as if she was being singled out after she was asked to show her receipt when leaving Walmart.

Carmen Ellis claimed her husband was not subject to the inspection at the exits.

The shopper seemed to question the motives of the staffers at the supermarket in California, per the ABC affiliate KXTV.

“It's almost like you were singling me out for the receipt," Ellis said to the outlet in 2019.

"Do I look like a thief or what?"

A Walmart spokesperson claimed workers intend to check every receipt. Complete article


‘They can do this but not have apple pay????’: Walmart shopper speculates store is ‘turning off’ self-checkouts to get customers to do this one thing 02/18/2024

A woman went viral for her theory as to why Walmart is “turning off” its self-checkouts.

TikToker @lgbtavenger’s theory is that Walmart is intentionally making the checkout experience a miserable ordeal for its customers as means of herding them into signing up for Walmart Plus, the store’s premium subscription service. Her video was viewed over 318,000 times.

She begins her video by speaking directly into the camera. “Do you guys want to hear my Walmart conspiracy theory?” she asks.

“They’re not turning off the self-checkouts because people are stealing. They’re turning off the self checkouts because they want everyone to sign up for Walmart Plus,” she starts. “They’re not going to put more cashiers there. They want the lines to be wrapped around the store out the door, and do you know why? Because with the paid membership to Walmart Plus you get scan and go, which means you get to scan your groceries, pay for it on your phone, and walk out the door.” Complete article


Influencer Charli D'Amelio Offends Walmart Worker Who 'Eats Sleep For Dinner' 02/15/2024

While TikTok influencer Charli D'Amelio is racking up millions of views and millions of dollars every year, minimum-wage and near minimum-wage workers at Walmart Inc. and other retail outlets are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to keep their heads above water.

In October, D'Amelio angered the online world with a promotional campaign in which she dressed up as a Walmart worker.

D’Amelio faced backlash after posting videos to promote her family’s popcorn brand, Be Happy Snacks, while pretending to work at Walmart.

The campaign, which showcased D’Amelio and her sister Dixie stocking shelves and working the register at a Walmart store, was intended to promote the availability of Be Happy Snacks in Walmart locations.

However, the videos drew criticism from viewers who accused the TikTok stars of being insensitive to the realities of minimum wage workers and those experiencing financial hardship.

Critics on social media commented on the perceived insensitivity of “cosplaying” (costume playing) as a Walmart employee, with some expressing that it trivialized the financial struggles and working conditions of actual retail workers.

One comment highlighted the disparity between the average hourly wage of a Walmart employee in the U.S., which is reported to be $24.84, and the amount D’Amelio could earn from a single sponsored TikTok post, estimated at around $100,000. Complete article


Lincoln police identify suspects wanted for alleged Walmart thefts in Maine 02/16/2024

Two women suspected of skip scanning arrested at Fla. Walmart 02/17/2024

Derby man sentenced after pulling gun during Dec. 2019 Vermont Walmart incident 02/18/2024

Walmart Employees Reveal The ‘Grossest’ Things They’ve Seen In Stores: Used Baby Diapers & More 02/18/2024

Police: Man charged for firing shots while intoxicated behind West Chester Ohio Walmart 02/20/2024

WEST CHESTER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A man has been arrested after officers responded to the Walmart on Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester on Monday afternoon.

Police first responded after receiving a report of shots being fired. Someone else then called the police and said there was a man with a gun outside of the Walmart.

Police set up a perimeter and began searching the area on foot and by air. Officers said some shell casings were found on the ground behind the store.

"Walmart employees did a great job, locked down the store, reported a description to us, and we searched the area, and ultimately came back to find an address of interest that we're working on searching now," Hagaman said.

Officers said they located the suspect at a home on Summerhill Drive. Complete article

Body cam footage shows police detaining man charged for firing shots while intoxicated behind West Chester Walmart 02/21/2024


Multiple cars struck by gunfire on High Ridge Missouri Walmart parking lot after domestic incident 02/19/2024

HIGH RIDGE, Mo. — Multiple vehicles were damaged after gunshots were fired on the parking lot of the Walmart supermarket in High Ridge Monday evening.

There were no reported injuries and the people believed to be involved in the incident were in custody.

According to a post made on X by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, shots were fired just before 8 pm. on the parking lot of Walmart located at 2700 Ridge Point Drive in High Ridge. Complete article

STL man charged with firing gunshots outside High Ridge Walmart 02/21/2024


Man shot in leg in parking lot of Holland Mich.-area Walmart 02/20/2024

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A man was shot in the leg outside a Walmart near Holland on Tuesday, authorities say.

The shooting happened shortly before noon in the parking lot of the Walmart near the intersection of Lakewood Boulevard and Park Drive in Holland Township, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Responding deputies found a 47-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was hospitalized with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Complete article


1 person hospitalized following shooting at SC Walmart parking lot: GCPD 02/20/2024

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCIV) — One person was hospitalized following a shooting at a Walmart, the Goose Creek Police Department said.

Police said it was a domestic-related incident at the Walmart on Saint James Avenue, and there was no threat to the public.

The person was transported to a local area hospital, and police are searching for the suspect. Complete article

Goose Creek Police searching for suspect in Walmart parking lot shooting 02/20/2024


Video shows man stealing cash from Girl Scouts as they sell cookies at Texas Walmart 02/20/2024

Fort Worth Police are asking for help identifying the person they say stole cash from Girl Scouts earlier this month.

According to a post on X, formerly Twitter, Fort Worth Police shared a video they said showed the theft.

In the video, a man is seen walking out of the Walmart store on the 9500 block of Clifford Street at about 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, and grabbing a bag from behind the table before sprinting into the parking lot.

Police said the bag contained the Girl Scout’s cash earnings for her cookie sales that day. Complete article


No one hurt in fire at Conway SC Walmart, officials say 02/19/2024 Arson

CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — No one was hurt after a fire broke out Monday afternoon at a Walmart store in Conway, according to fire officials.

The Conway Fire Department responded at about 1:20 p.m. to the 2700 block of Church Street for a structure fire, but officials said the fire was out when they arrived. The “immediate area” was closed to the public. Complete article

Arson suspected in Conway Walmart fire, police report says 02/27/2024


Ammo and bacon: Wanted man arrested at Blair County Pa. Walmart for theft 02/20/2024

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A man wanted on burglary charges was found allegedly pushing a cart full of items, unpaid for, out of the Walmart in East Freedom.

John Lee Pittman Jr., 32, of Hustontown, was arrested over the weekend at Walmart in East Freedom after allegedly filling up a cart and trying to leave without paying for more than $1,100 in items.

According to the criminal complaint, Freedom Township Police were called to Walmart Saturday afternoon, Feb. 17, for a report of a man concealing items intending to leave without paying. They arrived to find Pittman leaving the store with a cart of items ranging from bacon and other meats to boxes of shotgun ammo he didn’t pay for. Complete article


Walmart acquires Vizio in $2 billion merger, retailer says 02/20/2024

Walmart said it's going to acquire Vizio Holding Corp, the makers of Vizio TV, for $2.3 billion, according to press release.

The retail giant announced the acquisition of Vizio and its SmartCast Operating System, OS, on Tuesday.

"There is a lot to be excited about with this acquisition,” said Seth Dallaire, Walmart's executive vice president and chief revenue officer, in a statement. “We believe Vizio’s customer-centric operating system provides great viewing experiences at attractive price points."

The press release states that Vizio's Board of Directors and stockholders approve of the transaction, but the company still has 45 days to back out of it. The termination is subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement. Complete article


Decatur Alabama Walmart not accepting cash payments due to ‘technical issue’ 02/15/2024 News 19 reached out to the big box store after it received calls from some Decatur residents saying they haven’t been able to make cash payments at the store for at least three days. One viewer even said he saw a woman using the CoinStar machine who put money in but was told they couldn’t pay her.

Clearfield County man accused of stealing $1,600 in Pokémon cards from Pa. Walmart 02/19/2024

Hillsborough NC police ask for help identifying Walmart larceny suspects 02/19/2024

Summerfield woman jailed after allegedly stealing NBA trading cards at Fla. Walmart 02/19/2024

Swansboro NC Walmart evacuated Monday night after note found claiming bomb was inside 02/20/2024

Man charged with Bangor Walmart arson pleads not guilty 02/21/2024

Facebook tip leads to arrest of suspected skip scanner at Fla. Walmart 02/21/2024 The sheriff’s office had posted information about the crime on its Facebook page, leading to several tips from the public. Surveillance images helped confirm that Ford was the suspect. Ford’s black GMC was also caught on store surveillance.

Valley woman thankful for nurse who saved her life at Glendale Ariz. Walmart 02/22/2024

Trial date for Aug. 2019 El Paso Tx. Walmart shooting might be set today at status hearing update 02/22/2024

Body found at West Monroe La. Walmart, foul play not suspected 02/22/2024

WEST MONROE, LA (KNOE) - UPDATE: The West Monroe Police Department has confirmed that the body found earlier today (Feb. 22) at the West Monroe Walmart is male.

According to WMPD, they currently don’t suspect foul play. Complete article


Ohio police seeking answers after mysterious amputated finger found in Walmart parking lot 02/23/2024

The Sidney, Ohio, police department is looking for answers after a mysterious human finger was found in the parking lot of a local Walmart.

On Sunday, Feb. 18, Sidney police responded to the Sidney Walmart after someone discovered an amputated finger in the parking lot, according to the city Facebook page. Officers located the finger and sent it to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office at which point it was confirmed that the finger was in fact a human finger, likely a white female's.

No nearby medical providers can provide information that links the finger to any recent patient, the release said. Sidney is a city of around 20,000 and is around 75 miles northwest of Columbus.

The Sidney Police Department said it does not have any reason to believe that the finger’s amputation was a result of any suspicious actions at this point. However, until an explanation can be established of how the finger came to be at the parking lot the department said the case will remain open. Complete article


One person in custody for bank robbery attempt at Walmart store in Grenada Missippi 02/22/2024

Mondrell White has been named as the Grenada Walmart robbery suspect, according to Grenada Police Chief George Douglas.

GRENADA, Miss. (WTVA) — One person is in custody for an armed robbery inside the Walmart store in Grenada.

This happened Thursday morning, Feb. 22 at approximately 10:30.

Grenada Police Chief George Douglas said someone tried to rob the Woodforest National Bank, which is inside the store. Complete article


Drunk NJ priest leads cops on a pursuit after shoplifting heist 02/23/2024

POHATCONG — A 39-year-old Roman Catholic priest was arrested for shoplifting from a Walmart Supercenter in the Warren County Township, and then driving away drunk during a police pursuit, officials said.

Alpha police said Father Dawid Wejnerowski is accused of stealing less than $50 worth of ice cream containers and oven mitts from the Route 22 store around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, according to a report on lehighvalleylive.com.

But the trouble didn’t stop there. After the store heist, Wejnerowski then led police officers on a chase through the Parkside neighborhood in the township while drunk, police said. The vehicle wound up on the front yard of a home on Liberty Boulevard.

Wejernowski was arrested and charged with disorderly persons shoplifting, second-degree eluding police, drunken driving, having an open container of alcohol in the car, and multiple traffic offenses, according to a statement from the Pohatcong Township police, and reported by lehighvalleylive.com. Complete article


Two brothers arrested in Minden La. Walmart incident 02/23/2024

Matthew Welbourne, 41, and Nathaniel Welbourne, 46, both of the 5000 block of Dixie Garden Drive in Shreveport, were arrested on the morning of February 22 following an incident at the Minden Walmart that alarmed bystanders.

Minden police responded to a call regarding the Welbournes’ paranoid behavior, with the two men reportedly claiming that people were after them. The officers were informed that the individuals had armed themselves with a hatchet near the pharmacy.

Upon approaching the subjects, officers noted erratic behavior and statements from both men regarding their belief that they were being pursued. The individuals were escorted out of the store to their vehicle for further questioning.

During the questioning, the Welbournes denied ingesting illegal drugs, taking medication, or consuming alcohol. In an effort to further investigate, Lt. Hammontree and K9 Tigo were called to the scene. Complete article


Polk County Missouri official accused of Walmart shoplifting speaks out; reporter barred from court 02/23/2024

Months after being charged for an alleged series of thefts at a Bolivar Walmart, Polk County Public Administrator Barbara Davolt addressed the allegations in a social media post.

In a Facebook post on Feb. 1 that has since been deleted or removed from public view, the longtime county elected official declared her innocence and that she is again running for office.

Davolt, who has run unopposed as a Republican in previous elections, has been the Polk County public administrator since 2003, serving as a court-appointed representative in probate cases and as a guardian or conservator for people unable to care for themselves.

"I want to address something after receiving a phone call. Yes, I am still the public administrator, I have not been removed and the judge continues to give me new cases," Davolt said, appearing to reference her work duties for the Polk County judge. "Yes, I plan on running again as I've done nothing wrong. I am working to to resolve this issue, but if you have any questions, ask me, not someone else. ....

What is rare, however, is a media outlet being barred from a courtroom for a public hearing.

When the News-Leader attempted to report from the Polk County Courthouse on Feb. 8 during a proceeding that set Davolt's case for a July 26 bench trial (a trial in which the judge, not a jury, makes the verdict), a bailiff denied a reporter's entry into the courtroom. ....

According to Missouri law, "courts of justice shall be open to every person, and certain remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character, and that right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay." Complete article


Walmart semi-trailer catches fire at Hillsborough County Fla. store 02/23/2024

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Walmart semi-trailer caught fire Thursday night at a Hillsborough County store.

The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said it was called to the Walmart on Gunn Highway around 8:30 p.m. for a fire.

A 911 caller reported that the fire was coming from a parked Walmart semi-trailer in the back and smoke was starting to fill the store. The caller said the fire was extinguished but they wanted firefighters to check it out.

Crews said when they arrived, the trailer was still on fire. They worked to access the inside of the trailer to vent the flames through the top. Firefighters said they were able to extinguish the flames quickly. They also ventilated the smoke out of the store. Complete article


Another Vehicle Hits Infamous Yellow Walmart Pole in Auburn Maine 02/23/2024

After a year of no one hitting the infamous yellow pole at the Auburn, Maine, Walmart, the streak is over.

The latest victim of the ruthless pole was an older gentleman who probably didn't see the pole.

Of course, upon WillEm Felix posting the picture, the number one question was, "How does this happen?" Complete article


U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren Seeks Regulatory Scrutiny of Walmart/Vizio Acquisition 02/23/2024

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is advocating that federal regulators scrutinize Walmart’s $2.3 billion acquisition of Irvine, Calif.-based consumer electronics manufacturer Vizio.

In a Feb. 23 social media post, Warren, a longtime consumer advocate, suggests Walmart’s purchase of Vizio could stifle competition, which she believes ultimately hurts consumers.

“@Walmart‘s deal with @VIZIO is a warning bell,” Warren wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) post. “Giant corporations are copying @Amazon’s playbook: buy or kill competitors in commerce, entertainment, and advertising. Regulators should scrutinize whether this merger will extend Walmart’s dominance and threaten competition.”

Three years ago, Warren led an unsuccessful attempt to break up Amazon, claiming the ecommerce behemoth unfairly quashed competitors, resulting in a market stranglehold.

“You can either be the umpire or a player on the field. But you can’t be both. That’s what Amazon does,” Warren said in a 2021 media interview. “What’s the solution here? Break Amazon up.” Complete article


Toledo Ohio Walmart receives bomb threat, officers search and clear scene 02/21/2024

Tupelo Mississippi PD: No evidence found of alleged rape at Walmart 02/21/2024

Man accused of touching 15-year-old in Tulsa Okla. Walmart 02/21/2024

‘Make it make sense Walmart’: Shopper discovers 2-for-1 Herbal Essences shampoo pack may be a trick 02/22/2024 As she points to a boxed set of Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner, she says, “I scanned it, this is literally $20.” She also notes that the bottles are 13.5 ounces each.

Woman cited for series of Iowa Walmart thefts 02/21/2024

Man accused of stealing from multiple NY Walmarts 02/21/2024

Armed Robbery Confirmed At San Ramon Ca. Walmart 02/23/2024

SAN RAMON, CA — The Walmart on Alcosta Boulevard in San Ramon was robbed by armed suspects Friday afternoon, a store employee confirmed. No further information was provided.

Patch is awaiting further details from the San Ramon Police Department.

A witness on Nextdoor said that four men dressed in black robbed the store at around 2 p.m., though official sources have not confirmed this. Complete article


Walmart has a secret weapon in the war on retail crime 02/23/2024

Every retailer has different rules and policies. Walmart and Costco, for example, both check your receipt when you try to leave the store.

Customers, in theory, don't have to submit to that check, but opting out could lead to you getting more scrutiny on future visits. In most cases, whether it's a receipt check or chains that have placed item limits for people using self-checkout, the rules are clear enough. As a customer if you don't like certain policies — like chains that charge a deposit for anyone taking a cart, or retailers that place limits on certain types of purchases — customers know the deal, or learn it quickly and can make shopping decisions accordingly.

To curb theft, however, retailers like Walmart (WMT) , Target, and Costco don't tell customers everything that's happening. That's because if people know exactly which security measures are in place, they might be able to get around them.

There might be artificial intelligence in place or stores might use the fake "technical difficulties" button to stop a self-checkout, which Walmart reportedly does. In other cases, theft prevention is not about catching criminals but tracking goods to see which ones get stolen most often. .....

"As of September 2, 2022, all Walmart suppliers that provide toys, home goods, electronics, and sporting goods must outfit each item with a UHF RFID tag. This is an expansion of their earlier RFID mandate launched in 2020, requiring products in apparel, jewelry, and a few other departments, such as tires, to be tagged with an RFID chip," Walmart shared on its website.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) allows Walmart to track its inventory which can help it manage shrink. That includes not just theft or shoplifting, but also items that never make it to shelves due to damage or employees taking them.

"Walmart uses RFID tags at the item level. This means every item within a product category mandated to have an RFID tag has an RFID label somewhere on the item or its packaging," the company shared on Complete article


I got fired at Walmart after trying to stop shoplifters. It reveals a problem with how retailers fight theft 02/23/2024

I had been telling my team lead for three or four days before I got fired that I was burned out on self-checkout. My job was to monitor the self-checkout at our store, but I wanted to switch to a regular register for a couple of days.

Two girls came through that night it happened. It was the fourth of November. They had a tote, one of those big gray plastic ones you store stuff in.

They rang the tote up, which was $6.95. Then they walked right past me.

There's a saying at Walmart: "Do you know B.O.B. and L.I.S.A.?" B.O.B. is "bottom of the basket." L.I.S.A. is "look inside, always." So I followed them and asked them if I could go and look inside the tote. They declined and tried to push their cart past me. I used my finger and flipped the lid off to where I could see inside. It was half-full of stuff, and 90% of it was makeup. And I don't know if you know anything about cosmetics, but one little pencil is $10, so the value of that tote added up quickly.

The cops were called. But when they got there, they let the girls go. The asset protection team at the store didn't do anything, either. .....

Afterward, I tried to file for unemployment, but I found out that, according to Walmart, I wasn't eligible for it. I had to go through an appeal hearing because Walmart said they had a reason for firing me. I got that overturned in arbitration with Walmart, but if I hadn't appealed it and asked for a hearing, I wouldn't have got it. Complete article


Biometric gun safes sold through Walmart and Amazon are being recalled due to serious security concerns 02/23/2024

According to the recall notice, the firearm safes were able to be opened by unauthorized individuals, including a 6-year-old kid in one case.

Several gun-safe companies issued recalls this week for their biometric gun safes over concerns that the locks on the safes might allow unauthorized individuals inside.

Altogether, more than 120,000 gun safes from Bulldog Cases, Machir, MouTec, and Awesafe are impacted by the recalls.

The recall notice, which was published by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Thursday, says that the fact that the safes can be opened by unauthorized individuals poses “a serious injury hazard and risk of death,” presumably because an unauthorized individual could use the gun inside the case to shoot themselves or someone else. Complete article


TIP OFF ‘I need to speak to a manager,’ rages Walmart customer about 4 inconvenient self-checkout hurdles that don’t ‘sit right’ 02/24/2024

A WALMART customer has shared her grievances when shopping at the store, sharing four of her primary concerns.

She aired her complaints on TikTok, right after completing a Walmart shopping run.

The video was shared by Rachal Smith (@ms.under.stood), who captioned it, "I need to speak to a manager."

The video showed Smith recording herself with her phone's front camera.

"I'm upset," she said to the camera.

Then she listed four of her primary concerns with shopping at Walmart.

"Because something about shopping for, paying for, loading, and carrying the groceries up the steps myself and then not getting a tip?" she asked. Complete article


AD ENOUGH ‘Prices aren’t cheap enough to deal with the stress’ fumes Walmart customer boycotting for Target over checkout hurdles 02/23/2024

A WALMART shopper has decided he is done with the retailer after his last trip to the store went epicly bad.

Many shoppers have taken to social media to complain about the growing amount of receipt-checking and self-checkout kiosks at stores like Walmart and Target in recent years.

But for one shopper, the problems with Walmart don't end there.

"Now I know why my older relatives all refused to go to Walmart even though it is cheaper," ADHD Therapist For Michigan (@adhdtherapist_jay) wrote on TikTok.

He recently shared a video laying out all the reasons he has sided with his family members and now avoids going to Walmart at all costs.

"Those cheaper prices aren't that cheap to deal with the extra stress," he said in the post. Complete article


Walmart quietly announces details of 23 store closures across America because of poor sales - is YOUR area affected? 02/23/2024

Walmart last year closed 23 stores across the US, eight of which were in Illinois, it emerged this week.

Overall, its total number of stores fell by 102, from 4,717 in January 2023 to 4,615 a year later.

That's because in addition to the 23 closures, Walmart sold a combined 79 Moosejaw and Bonobos locations after selling the two retailers. Complete article


Ark. man accused of stealing four Playstations from Missouri Walmart just weeks apart 02/22/2024 KENNETT, Mo. (KFVS) - An Arkansas man faces a felony charge after allegedly stealing three Playstations from Walmart in Kennett.

Do you know these people? Copperas Cove Tx. Crime Stoppers attempting to identify Walmart theft suspects 02/23/2024

'All clear' given after false bomb threat called in at Fern Creek Ky. Walmart 02/23/2024

Bayfront Health security guard accused of stealing patient’s wallet and going on Fla. Walmart shopping spree 02/23/2024

Body found in minivan at Denison Tx. Walmart, police say 02/24/2024

DENISON, Texas (KXII) - A body was found in a minivan at the Denison Walmart on Saturday at noon, according to the Denison Police Department.

Police said the man has been identified as Michael Williams, and said he had a history of health issues.

The man’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office to determine the cause of death, police said. Complete article


Man who chased teenagers through Oregon Walmart parking lot, brandishing gun released without bail 02/25/2024

ONTARIO — A man facing felony charges for allegedly threatening teenagers with a gun at Walmart in January is on release until his plea hearing in April and a parent of one of the victims, who spoke to the newspaper on the condition of anonymity, has expressed “total disappointment in the system” for letting him until the case is decided.

According to court records, for the case, which includes three counts of unlawful use of a weapon (Class C felonies) and three counts of menacing, (Class A misdemeanors), the man was arrested, then later released without a security bond in place. It’s worth noting, a conditional release put in place by Judge Erin Landis states that the accused can have no contact with the minor victims.

But the parent takes issue with geographics, saying the accused and at least one of the victims live in near proximity.

“How is it that people with violent gun crimes against children are being released in Oregon with no bail,” the parent asks. “Does the judicial system even care about the dangers posed to the community? Who is protecting our children from violent offenders?” Complete article


HARD NO ‘I am shaking,’ says Walmart shopper ‘threatened’ for not showing receipt – she knew her rights and still said no 02/25/2024

A SHOPPER has been threatened with a slap by a receipt checker at Walmart — but she found a safe way to fight back.

Receipt checking has become a hot topic of debate among retailers and shoppers who have strong feelings over the antitheft strategy.

While stores depend on receipt checking to help prevent shoplifting, some shoppers have said that the added step after checkout feels insulting and can lead to confrontations.

One such shopper was recently threatened by an employee after refusing to show her receipt to a Walmart employee, she said in a TikTok post.

"Apparently, not showing your receipt at Walmart — which you don't have to do — gets a little old white lady to threaten to slap you in the face," Magdalena2113 (@magdalena2113) wrote.

She had been shopping at her local Walmart when an employee told her that she needed to see her receipt, Magdelena explained in the post. Complete article


NOT MY JOB ‘Next they’ll want me to stock shelves,’ fumes Walmart shopper ‘forced to use self-checkout while staff play on phones’ 02/25/2024

A WALMART shopper has raged about the employees at her local store claiming that soon she will be doing all of their jobs for free.

Numerous customers of the big-box retailer have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to vent their frustrations about the store.

In response to a user's rant about a Walmart employee asking him about his bagging technique, one shopper claims that the retailer is forcing shoppers to work while their employees are on their phones.

"I was in Walmart earlier(hate that store) and all the employees were walking around on their phones monitoring me while I self-checkout," user @OzarksCurly said.

"Next they’ll want me to start stocking shelves or unloading trucks. It’s ridiculous."

She is not the only one to make the same claim with some customers even asking if they should "claim for employment" on tax returns due to their work on self-checkout. Complete article


WALMART WIN I found a mystery $100 on the floor of Walmart – staff allowed me to keep it but I had to make a certain promise first 02/25/2024

A WALMART customer was shocked when she found $100 on the floor with a specific instruction to follow if she chose to take it.

Julia Stultz from Charlotte, North Carolina, was shopping at the bix-box retailer for clothes for her son when she spotted a card lying on the floor in the children's clothing section.

The family was initially oblivious to the fact that they had walked into a kind-hearted game by a good samaritan who wanted to honor World Kindness Day on November 13, 2017.

The front of the envelope read, "With Love, Amen" with the back saying, "If this card has found you, open it. It's yours," according to Fox News affiliate WJZY.

The envelope contained a card and $100 but came with a strict instruction.

The finder of the money is told to "pay it forward" meaning to pass on kindness to someone else in the hopes that scores of people during the day would be kind to strangers for no reason. Complete article


ROPEY Walmart ‘ropes off its self-checkout machines after thefts’ – as Target introduces new rule in fight against crime 02/26/2024

WALMART has reportedly sealed off self-checkout stations at one of its California stores.

Pictures surfaced online showing the kiosks closed off from shoppers at a supermarket located in the neighborhood of West Hills in Los Angeles.

Shoppers have speculated on the reasons why the kiosks were shut off, with one claiming it was due to theft, as reported by KTLA.

In the picture, tape blocked customers from accessing the area.

A Target store in Illinois hit the headlines after it emerged that self-checkout stores had been closed earlier than the outlet's closing time.

A Walmart spokesperson told KTLA that bosses are always looking at ways to improve stores. Complete article


WAIT AROUND ‘I left my stuff there’ fumes Walmart shopper who walked out of Target after store’s response over ‘locked’ items 02/26/2024

SHOPPERS are fed up with anti-theft measures that make their shopping experience stressful all before they even check out.

Locked up products remain an issue for Walmart customers and many are jumping ship on shopping with the retailer as a result. Walmart customers in a hurry can't seem to shake long waits at the self-checkout, but they're also being derailed in another way.

Anti-theft measures in the form of glass security doors surround many products at the big box retailer and they've become increasingly annoying to customers over the years, so much so that many are breaking up with the store altogether.

In a recent post on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, a user posted a photo of locked up shelves of toothpaste.

She captioned the post, "They locking toothpaste? What did you guys do???!!!" Complete article

CARTED OFF ‘I’ve walked out halfway through buying a cart full’ Walmart shopper fumes – self-checkout policy was final straw 02/26/2024

'UNBELIEVABLE' ‘Next will be the lettuce’ Walmart shopper mocks after filming latest ‘extremely sad’ anti-theft prevention policy 02/26/2024


Walton Family Sells $1.5 Billion of Walmart Stock After Rally 02/26/2024

Family trust sold 8.82 million shares at the end of last week

Walmart has outperformed retail peers amid market-share gains

Members of the Walton family sold roughly $1.5 billion worth of Walmart Inc. stock at the end of last week as shares hovered near a record high.

The Walton Family Holdings Trust sold about 8.82 million shares between Feb. 21 and Feb. 23, according to US Securities and Exchange Commission filings from late Friday. The notifications .... Complete article


Pilot program makes mammograms available at lab inside Delaware Walmart 02/23/2024

MILFORD, Del. — Shoppers at a Delaware Walmart Supercenter have the opportunity to better safeguard their health thanks to a new lab inside the store that offers 3D mammograms.

The MammogramNow lab is part of a pilot program between Walmart, Delaware Imaging Network and RadNet, a national provider of high-quality, cost-effective outpatient diagnostic imaging services. It was opened in late December in the store in Milford, located about 20 miles south of Dover.

“You can come in and get clothes, food, medicine,” patient Dierdre Bell said in a CNN interview. “Why not a mammogram?” Complete article


Did National Guard drill get a man fired from Starkville Mississippi Walmart? 02/24/2024 STARKVILLE — An Oktibbeha County man is suing Walmart in federal court after he alleges it fired him for missing work due to National Guard training. The suit was filed Feb. 19 by Abdias Simpore, 24, in the Northern District of Mississippi. He is represented by Flowood-based attorney Louis Watson Jr. of Watson and Norris PLLC. Simpore is asking for back wages and reinstatement; damages; attorney’s fees; lost benefits; and pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and expenses.

Five arrested for alleged retail theft at Pa. Walmart 02/22/2024

Info sought after NC Walmart photos linked to 2 business thefts in Hillsborough, police say 02/24/2024

Undercover Benton Arkansas police arrest three Walmart shoplifting suspects 02/24/2024

Woman linked to wild Walmart theft, in Jan. 2023, now accused in bank scam transfer to Cash App, Roanoke Rapids NC police say 02/2/2024

EPD: Woman banned from Ind. Walmart caught shoplifting 02/25/2024

4 people accused of stealing alcohol, luggage from Amite La. Walmart, deputies say 02/26/2024

Walmart employee assaulted while on break in Hickory Hill Tenn. 02/26/2024

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A man assaulted a Walmart employee while she was on break in Hickory Hill.

According to Memphis police, a man approached the employee while she was outside on her break around 10 a.m. Saturday.

The woman said the suspect claimed she owed him money. She told the suspect she did not know who he was and attempted to leave.

Police say the suspect stopped her by striking her in the face with a cell phone and then punching her in the face. Complete article


WHO AM I? Police say man threatened NC Walmart employee with knife 02/27/2024

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Police are looking for a man who they said pulled a knife on a clerk at a big box store.

Greenville police say it happened at the Walmart on East 10th Street on February 15th around 10 p.m.

The man was caught trying to conceal items under his coat as he left the store, according to police.

When an employee asked for his receipt, the man pulled a knife and told the worker to back away. Complete article


Eye ointments sold at Walmart, CVS recalled due to risk of infection 02/27/2024

Concerns over the potential risk of eye infection have led to the recall of eye ointment products sold at Walmart and CVS stores across the United States.

In an announcement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website, India-based Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. said it is recalling four types of eye lubricant "due to lack of sterility assurance" at the facility where they were manufactured. The ointments are sold under the brand names Equate, CVS Health and AACE Pharmaceuticals.

The company said people who use the lubricants could be at risk for infections or related harm, but no injuries have been reported as of Feb. 16. Consumers have been advised to immediately stop using the products and return them to where they were purchased. Complete article

Eye ointments sold at CVS and Walmart recalled due to concerns over sterility 02/27/2024


Farmington Man Arrested for Stealing from NY Walmart 02/26/2024

Tangipahoa Parish La. sheriff searching for 4 accused of stealing liquor from Walmart 02/26/2024

Second suspect tracked down in heist at Fla. Walmart in The Villages 02/26/2024

Biker gets prison for gun-stealing rampage at Walmart in Glenmont NY in May 2022 02/26/2024 Michael C. McDermott, 31, of Troy, a reputed member of the Suicide Squad motorcycle club, sentenced to 30 months behind bars for stealing long guns at his former place of employment. ALBANY — A reputed member of a local biker gang was sentenced to 2½ years in prison Monday for the night he smashed into a glass case in a Walmart store in Glenmont, stole six long guns and aimed one at witnesses.

Trial begins for man accused of killing Tenn. Walmart employee over bag of chips and drink in March 2022 02/26/2024

Two charged for theft at Pa. Walmart 02/26/2024

Kidnapped from Fla. Walmart, saved at McDonald's, and 2 roommates under arrest, police say 02/27/2024

SWEETWATER, Fla. (TND) — A man out shopping was kidnapped in the parking lot and now his two roommates are being held without bond.

Miami-Dade police in Florida said the victim was at a Walmart, Thursday evening, when Cristina Arrojo offered to give him a ride.

She arrived in a U-Haul truck, along with Marcelo Asenjo Garcia, a third roommate.

According to WSVN, she accused the 33-year-old victim of stealing her credit card, and then he got out of the truck, punched the victim, and forced him inside the truck.

They tried to stop at the victim’s father’s house for that alleged stolen credit card, but nobody was home, and apparently they got hungry, so they went to a McDonald’s.

That's where the victim took the opportunity to tell an employee he was being held hostage and ask for help. Complete article


Massachusetts couple arrested after alleged theft, masked man threatens to kill Walmart employee with knife 02/28/2024

A Massachusetts couple has been arrested after an incident at a department store.

According to Plymouth, MA Police, on Tuesday night, Officers responded to Walmart for reports of a man menacing loss prevention personnel with a knife.

Officers spoke with Walmart Loss Prevention who attempted to stop a masked male after stealing expensive gaming monitors and a vacuum.

Loss Prevention stated that after identifying himself, 55-year-old Clifford Teague of Plymouth stated, “You don’t want none of this.” Loss Prevention stated, “It’s not that serious, I just want my stuff back.” Teague replied “F&*$ you, I will stab and kill you, don’t you see what I have in my hand?” The loss prevention agent looked down and saw a knife. The agent retreated and called us. Complete article


Driver flipped car off of a Tx. Walmart parking lot 02/27/2024

A driver went off of a store parking lot, hit a tree, and flipped his car upside-down early Tuesday evening. It happened at about 6:00 on the southwest corner of the Jasper WalMart in the 800 block of Highway 190 West.

A witness said the man driving the car didn’t appear to be injured, but he was driven by someone else to Jasper Memorial Hospital.

Because the incident occurred on private property and the only damage was to the car, it’s not known if Jasper Police took a report. KJAS News will follow up on this story on Wednesday morning. Complete article


Walmart Heirs Bet Big on Journalism 02/28/2024

A wash of Walton family funding to news media is creating echo chambers in environmental journalism, and beyond. Are editorial firewalls up to the task?

From vast riparian watersheds to fisheries to croplands, few corners of the nation’s—and the world’s—food systems have escaped the eyes of the Walton family. The children and grandchildren of Walmart co-founder Sam Walton have long embedded their interests, and, more importantly, their money, among industry groups, policymakers, academics, activists, and NGOs active in the future of food. Now, they’re expanding their philanthropy to news organizations that report on food, agriculture, and the environment and, in turn, amplifying the family’s other efforts.

The Waltons aren’t the only philanthropists pumping money into the news industry, and the family, America’s richest, gives even larger sums to other interests. But with increasing emphasis over the past decade, the Walton Family Foundation and individual family foundations have directed tens of millions of dollars to support journalists, newsrooms, and journalism organizations whose coverage overlaps with subjects about which Walton family members are passionate—and passionately funding.

Aside from the Walton Family Foundation, Walton family members also give to causes and to journalism through other foundations including the Catena Foundation, Builders Initiative, the Penner Family Foundation, the Wend Fund, and the Zoma Foundation. Complete article


‘I’d be calling everyone out daily’: Walmart worker catches online order pickers lying about unavailable items 02/27/2024

If you’ve ordered a Walmart pick-up order through the retailer’s mobile application or website, then your items were selected and fulfilled by a Walmart picker. Pickers are equipped with mobile devices manufactured by Zebra, which display all of the store’s logged inventory, but oftentimes there are discrepancies in the inventory amounts listed on the back end versus what’s actually in store.

This could be due to theft, returns that were never processed, or goods being damaged and never deducted from the aggregate total in the inventory list.

So when a picker is looking for items to fulfill a shopper’s request but can’t locate them, they mark those products as not found.

That’s when someone like TikToker and Walmart exceptions clerk Tio Choco (@tio_choco) comes in to check and see if those items are really unavailable. And as he demonstrates on his account—in many instances his co-workers simply didn’t take the time to look for them. Either that or they have it out for the customers.

“Doing exceptions—looking for items the pickers ‘couldn’t find,'” the TikToker writes in a text overlay of their video as they search through the items on their Zebra handheld scanner.

First up are vanilla ice cream cups. Tio shows off the ice cream before clearing away several quantities of birthday cake ice cream cups. It appears that the picker, upon seeing the numerous packs of birthday cake ice cream cups, didn’t want to move the other products out of the way to see if the vanilla variant was lurking at the back of the freezer. Complete article


Yes, the Walmart settlement over groceries sold by weight is real 02/27/2024

Eligible customers must file a claim before June for the $45 million settlement, which involves products like produce and meat that are sold by weight.

Walmart is a retailer with over 4,600 locations in the United States. Most Walmart locations have a grocery department to sell fresh food. In October 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Walmart, claiming that the retail story overcharged customers for groceries sold by weight.

Multiple VERIFY readers, including Michael, reached out to ask if a Walmart settlement for produce purchases was real after receiving a notice about one by email. Complete article


NJ man arrested, charged with child abuse at Walmart 02/27/2024

Court roundup: 2 charged in separate Walmart thefts 02/26/2024 EDWARDSVILLE — Two people are accused of taking more than $300 worth of merchandise in two separate incidents from the Glen Carbon Ill. Walmart, according to Madison County court records.

Beebe police close Arkansas Walmart due to bomb threat, suspect in custody 02/28/2024

Man Arrested for Felony Burglary After two Alleged Clarkston Wash. Walmart Thefts in one Week 02/27/2024

Police attempt to ID man accused of stealing computer monitor from La. Walmart 02/28/2024

A shooting in a West Tennessee town results in a school going on lockdown, business evacuated 02/26/2024

HUNTINGDON, Tenn.– We were first notified of a shooting in Huntingdon by a WBBJ 7 Eyewitness news tipster. We traced the information to the scene of the shooting. It was here where we briefly spoke to Huntingdon Chief of Police, Walter Smothers, who told us details about the shooting.

We were told that the shooting happened at Hillcourt Apartments in the 500 block.

It was apparently a domestic dispute between two individuals, one living there, and one visitor, that resulted in the shooting.

The shooting resulted in the individual visiting the residence receiving a gunshot wound to the foot.

We were told by a neighbor, after the shooting, the alleged shooter received a ride from a friend to the Walmart located in Huntingdon.

It was here where deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department would respond in force but did not find the suspect.

Viewers even told us the Walmart was evacuated at one point, however, we have no official source that confirms that. Walmart was not the only ones with a response to the shooting, Huntingdon High School also went on a soft lockdown for a brief period of time after the shooting. Complete article


Viral Spectacle: Vehicle Flips Over in South Louisiana Walmart Parking Lot, Sparks Online Theories 02/28/2024

Discover the mystery behind a viral photo capturing an overturned vehicle in a Walmart parking lot in South Louisiana, sparking intrigue and speculation online.

A photograph capturing a small vehicle overturned in a Walmart parking lot in South Louisiana has taken social media by storm, leading to widespread speculation about the circumstances leading to such an unusual event. Shared by Jessica Falterman, the image showcases the aftermath of what appears to be a perplexing accident in a location where high speeds and sharp turns are not the norm. The incident, involving an unidentified individual who remarkably declined medical attention post-accident, has ignited a flurry of theories among netizens, ranging from a simple pothole mishap to more far-fetched explanations like an aerial interference.

Unraveling the Mystery

The viral photo has prompted questions about how a vehicle could end up flipped in a setting as benign as a retail parking lot. Eyewitness accounts and social media speculation have filled in some blanks, suggesting that the driver might have encountered an unexpected obstacle, leading to the vehicle's dramatic overturn. Despite the various theories circulating online, including humorous suggestions of a low-flying plane’s involvement, the exact cause remains a topic of debate and intrigue. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of driving, even in seemingly safe environments.

Immediate Aftermath and Response

Following the incident, the driver involved in the curious crash declined any medical treatment, a decision that has further fueled online discussions about the event's severity and the individual’s condition. The vehicle was swiftly removed from the scene by a tow truck, as reported by local news outlets, bringing a swift conclusion to what could have potentially been a more serious accident. This occurrence adds to a growing list of bizarre incidents reported in public parking lots, raising questions about vehicle safety and driver awareness in such spaces. Complete article


Man, 69, faces felony for severe beating in Miramar Fla. Walmart parking lot, police say 02/29/2024

MIRAMAR, Fla. – Authorities booked a 69-year-old Pembroke Pines man into the Broward County jail on Wednesday after police said he severely beat another senior in a Walmart parking lot over a traffic dispute.

According to an arrest report, at around 5 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2023, Juan Antonio Fiscalini was backing his Toyota Corolla out of a disabled parking space at the Walmart at 1800 S. University Drive in Miramar when he grazed the victim with his car. The victim yelled at Fiscalini, Miramar police said, and Fiscalini got out of the vehicle. The arrest report states that the verbal argument turned physical when Fiscalini shoved the man to the ground, punched him in the face at least once and then kicked him in the face while he was on the ground.

Police said a bystander broke up the tussle and Fiscalini then left.

Meanwhile, the man suffered an orbital fracture, a damaged eye lens and a hematoma to the left eye, something the investigating officer wrote at the time “may lead to permanent loss of vision in the left eye,” police said. Complete article


Suspects take a bite out of Walmart Apple inventory in Virginia; over $100,000 worth 02/28/2024

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Despite disguising themselves as Walmart employees, three suspects were identified and connected to Walmart robberies across Virginia after allegedly stealing over $100,000 worth of Apple products. Several of the robberies were in Hampton Roads.

Walmart Senior Manager for Global Investigations Jeff Meyer identified the suspects after three men entered the Walmart on 632 Grassfield Pkwy., in Chesapeake, and stole around $38,000 worth of Apple products back in January. WAVY confirmed through court documents that similar thefts occurred in other Virginia cities, totaling around $118,000. A fourth suspect was later identified after being connected to the car used in the thefts. The investigation recovered some of the stolen goods as well as clothing items matching descriptions used in the thefts.

On Jan. 4, three of the suspects went into the Chesapeake Walmart and used a tool to open the casings holding the Apple products, stealing around $38,000 worth of merchandise, and left in a dark pickup truck, Meyer said. Complete article


Retailers including Amazon and Walmart are selling unsafe knockoff video doorbells, report finds 02/29/2024

A range of video doorbell brands sold by online retailers including Amazon, Sears, Shein, Temu and Walmart have security vulnerabilities that could expose users to hackers, an investigation by Consumer Reports found.

The consumer advocacy group found issues with a dozen seemingly identical video doorbells sold under brand names including Eken and Tuck. All are made by the Eken Group, based in Shenzhen, China, and controlled through a mobile app called Aiwit, which Eken operates, CR said.

Eken and Tuck are not well-known brands in the video doorbell market, yet they are relatively strong sellers online. The doorbells appeared in multiple listings on Amazon, with more than 4,200 sold in January alone. Both brands are often touted as "Amazon's Choice: Overall Pick," CR stated.

"These video doorbells from little known manufacturers have serious security and privacy vulnerabilities, and now they've found their way onto major digital marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart," stated Justin Brookman, director of tech policy at Consumer Reports. "Both the manufacturers and platforms that sell the doorbells have a responsibility to ensure that these products are not putting consumers in harm's way." Complete article


Baltimore Md. joins settlement with Walmart opioid suits 02/29/2024

The City of Baltimore announced on Thursday that it has signed onto a new statewide settlement with Walmart to resolve claims regarding its role in the opioid crisis.

Baltimore’s portion of the settlement is estimated to be just over $7.2 million. The city declined to sign onto the remaining global settlements in which Maryland agreed to participate.

“The opioid epidemic, which was directly brought on by corporate greed and irresponsibility, has been disastrous for our great city and has plagued communities across the country,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a news release. “Walmart has reached this settlement in an effort to rectify the damage it has done, and with these funds, our city will be able to invest more in addressing the ongoing problem of opioids here in Baltimore. While this money will not restore the lives and families destroyed by addiction, it is an important step in accountability, and my administration will always continue our efforts to hold corporate bad actors responsible when they harm Baltimore.”

Baltimore filed suit in 2018 against a number of manufacturers and distributors for their roles in perpetuating the opioids crisis in the city. Complete article


Walmart Faces Backlash Over Self-Checkout: Shoppers Demand Cashier Options 02/29/2024

Amidst the growing trend of retailers optimizing for speed and efficiency, Walmart's implementation of self-checkout systems has sparked both innovation and controversy. As the retail giant aims to streamline shopping experiences, a segment of its customer base is voicing strong opposition. This resistance underscores a broader debate about the role of technology in retail and customer service preferences.

Customer Dissatisfaction Surfaces on Social Media

Danny Insight, a vocal Walmart shopper, recently took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his dissatisfaction with the store's self-checkout policy. Insight's ultimatum to Walmart: streamline the checkout process by committing solely to either traditional cashier-operated lanes or self-checkout stations. The mixed approach, according to Insight and others, leads to confusion and inefficiency, compelling them to reconsider their loyalty to the retailer. This sentiment is echoed across various platforms, where customers report their frustrations with inadequate bagging space, unexpected surcharges, and the perceived impersonality of self-service systems. Complete article


JUST WAL-K AWAY ‘That’s on them not you,’ says Walmart worker with exact receipt-check policy – you can ‘just keep walking’ if asked 02/29/2024

A WALMART employee has revealed that you do not have to stop and show your receipt along with unveiling many other truths that customers have been raging about.

The employee decided to comment on the pressing topic after hearing back and forth about the retail giants receipt checking policy.

"I'm here to tell you that you do not have to show your receipt," Captain Rudy 4021 (@captainrudy4021) explained in a TikTok video from 2023.

He also disclosed when customers should expect an employee to ask for their receipt.

"The person checking receipts is only allowed to ask you for your receipt if you have anything in your cart that is not in a shopping bag," he affirmed.

"If all your items are in shopping bags, then they're not supposed to ask you for your receipt." Complete article


Walmart says hackers took over some Spark drivers' accounts and had access to their Social Security numbers 02/28/2024

Hackers got access to some Walmart Spark drivers' accounts and personal information, including Social Security numbers.

The hack happened between December and the start of this month, trade publication Cybernews first reported on Tuesday. The attackers gained access to about 200 accounts, Walmart told Cybernews.

Walmart said that the hack was "an account takeover event (either through phishing or credential stuffing) – not a hack of Walmart systems," according to Cybernews. Hackers also had access to personal information on the drivers, including their Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, names, and contact information.

Walmart notified the people whose accounts were affected by the hack, according to a copy of the letter it sent those drivers. Complete article


Widespread Software Glitch Paralyzes Walmart Stores Across the U.S., Affects Sales 02/28/2024

On February 28, 2024, Walmart encountered a significant technical setback as a software glitch rendered thousands of its stores' cash registers and critical systems inoperable. This disruption began on a busy Wednesday morning, causing widespread operational challenges and impacting sales and returns for several hours. Workers and insiders reported strenuous efforts to restore functionality, as the retail giant scrambled to fix the issue.

Unveiling the Technical Turmoil

The problem was first identified early in the day when employees found that they could not process transactions normally. The glitch affected various systems, leading to a domino effect that hampered operations across the board. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that even technologically advanced retailers face, highlighting the importance of robust IT infrastructure in today's retail landscape. Walmart's Point-of-Sale System Glitch Disrupts Thousands of U.S. Stores provides an in-depth look at the challenges encountered during this debacle.

Impact on Sales and Consumer Trust

The immediate effect of the glitch was felt on the sales floor, where long lines and confusion led to customer frustration and lost sales. The inability to process returns further exacerbated the situation, affecting consumer trust and loyalty. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the direct link between technology and customer satisfaction in the retail sector. While Walmart has faced challenges in the past, the scale of this disruption is a wake-up call for the retail giant to reassess and reinforce its technological frameworks. Complete article


Police give 'all-clear' following bomb threat at West Buechel Ky. Walmart 02/28/2024 Wednesday's threat came after another similar incident at the Walmart in Fern Creek on Feb. 23, according to the department.

Dorchester County SC Fire Rescue receives grant from Walmart Foundation 02/2/2024

Mother of missing 1-year-old from Houston area spotted at Walmart in Kansas City, Missouri, officials say 02/28/2024 Officials say 1-year-old Noah Johnson has a serious health condition and is in need of medication.

Walmart announces another store closure 02/29/2024 The Walmart location at 2753 East Eastland Center Drive, West Covina, California will close March 29, according to a report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Boardman woman was arrested for theft at Walmart 02/29/2024

Cibolo Tx. police looking for man who exposed himself in a Walmart 02/29/2024

GFPD, Marshals take person into custody near Montana Walmart on westside 02/29/2024

Missing Teen with Autism Found at New Mexico Walmart, About 200 Miles from Arizona Home 02/29/2024

Charged with shoplifting from Fla. Walmart - and a lot more for what was in her purse, cops say 02/29/2024