Friday, July 1, 2016

Wal-Mart Crime report June 2016





Some things were as insane at Walmart last month as they were in Orlando; and it started at the Orlando Walmart, although the national media didn't mention that; and there were at least three or four shootings at Walmart in just a few days while the media was reporting twenty-four-seven about the incidents in Orlando.

Four or five days before the Orlando shooting there was a panic at an Orlando Walmart that started with an evacuation during an armed robbery; within a few hours after that it was followed up by a second panic when a bomb threat was called into the same store. The night before the Pulse shooting there was also another shooting of Christina Grimmie and a few days after was the attack by an alligator of a toddler. This was an exceptionally active week for Orlando and the only story that didn't get national coverage were the ones about Walmart.

There were also at least seven shootings at Walmart including four within a few days of the Orlando shootings that were ignored by the national news; and at least four robberies by people armed with guns. One of these shootings, that happened almost immediately after the Orlando shootings was by an Iranian immigrant; however it wasn't terrorism related, as some people in the area may have initially believed. It was another disgruntled worker which is much more common although most of these stories don't escalate to shootings. However there are probably still more shootings from disgruntled workers than there are terrorism acts, although they get much less coverage. Walmart has had dozens, if not hundreds, over the years that led to shootings, bomb threats, hostage situations, or major assaults.

Over reacting disgruntled customers or workers are almost never reported at the national level and often not even at the local level; however when corporations are trying to cut corners that impact both customers and workers while lobbying the government to reduce the protections for both they're inevitable. On one of the other shootings that happened in the immediate aftermath of the Orlando shooting Walmart made a point of saying that it was an "isolated incident" without mentioning that they had a couple other "isolated incidents" on the same day and that they have a practice of referring to many of their problems as "isolated incidents" which happen over and over again, although reports are rarely ever compiled to find out how often they happen.

One of these shootings happened in Maine which was supposedly like something out of the wild west. This is unusual since Maine is one of the least violent states including at Walmart; however this shooting involved out of state people.

They also had a couple of panics caused by fire works being set off intentionally and a van catching fire. A couple Walmart employees were assaulted including one with a hammer; a women armed with a knife carjacked another; and one of their shoplifters was chased out to the road where he was hit by a car and killed.

Walmart also continued to have at least two more recalls, including one more involving possible listeria concerns, after having quite a few last month. A labor group has asked Walmart to sit out the GOP convention; there were no reports this month about concerns that the Democratic nominee is a former board member and remains good friends with one of the owners, collecting enormous amounts of campaign money from them. Their made in the USA claims were questioned again almost like clockwork; and they're asking for tax payer subsidies for creating so many jobs again without mentioning they ship more than they create overseas. They also fund help for schools but don't highlight that it is charter schools which transfers control of education to the private sector. Both education and private security are increasingly being controlled by corporations that aren't as accountable to the public as the government.

After a widespread report of increased crime problems at one Florida Walmart they cut back on calls to the police supposedly by requiring offenders that get caught stealing small amounts to take an online course about shoplifting.

There was no further explanation how this "online class" is supposed to work or if it is taken seriously.

Speculation about the possibility that better reporting about how effective it might be can be done in Tampa over beer with the shoplifters that have first hand experience with this have neither been confirmed or denied.

A recent court ruling for a Macy's store may also have an impact on Walmart. Macy's was banned from detaining suspected shoplifters and demanding reparations without charges. This has been done in what they now consider misusing of New York laws to protect retailers. Macy's has apparently been using these laws to cut their losses without going through the courts by demanding payments and threatening suspected shoplifters with arrest if they don't pay. apparently they even have their own jail cell in the store, although there should be some doubt about whether or not they'll be able to use them any more. These are a couple of dozens of laws passed that benefit large corporations including many "felony shoplifting" laws that make petty theft a felony for repeat offenders consumers or workers that don't donate large amounts of money to campaigns don't have laws passed to protect them from white collar crimes or misleading advertising and many other things.

Walmart and the Georgia DA have almost resolved an incident last year where kids stampeded one of their stores with mostly small penalties and restitution; however they're trying to arrange the suspected ring leader have charges dropped on the condition that he joins the Army. Outside of Walmart there was speculation that this was racially motivated by minorities that were fed up with total lack of opportunity; however this possibility wasn't even considered by the courts according to media reports. Allowing teens in trouble with the law to evade jail was supposedly put to an end during the Vietnam era after they had large problems with veterans committing crimes after being discharged. Apparently they've reconsidered that. Instead of a dressing lack of local opportunities they've gone back to providing military opportunities.

With all these problems how well do you think Walmart will be using drones to carry out tasks?

What could go wrong? Stay tuned.

A lot of these news stories don't sound to good for Walmart but don't worry.

They're bringing back Walmart's Smiley face.



Besides, regardless of how much you might like Walmart, when a police chief in Florida found out that an attempted shoplifting was to feed babies and their mother he bought them for the family.

And it wasn't a Walmart worker that tried to bury his boss it was just a construction worker at a future Walmart site.

This isn't as strange as a suspected bike thief being lassoed outside an Oregon Walmart by a man on horseback.

Strange things happen at Wal-Mart!





In 2006 Wake Up Wal-Mart did a study, "Is Wal-Mart Safe?" based on incidents in 2004, (PDF) about crime at Wal-Mart which showed that it increased when Wal-Marts opened up and that crime was higher at Wal-Mart than at other retailers. Since then Wal-Mart Shootings began compiling a list of gun related incidents at Wal-Mart and demonstrated that they have a large number of them, including on average more than one shooting per week somewhere in the country. In January of 2014 another study, "Rolling Back Prices and Raising Crime Rates?" provided additional statistical research indicating that Wal-Mart 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 Wal-Mart’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 Wal-Mart policies have been contributing to higher crime in a previous blog, Wal-Mart high crime rate continues un-investigaterd and have provided additional information under the author tag Walmart Crime Watch.

Stacy Mitchell has also compiled a list of other studies about Wal-Mart and how they impact society, Key Studies on Big-Box Retail & Independent Business. To the best of my knowledge Wal-Mart 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. The following are a list of incidents that occurred in June 2016. According to the "Is Wal-Mart Safe?" the average store in their sampling had 250 incidents per year, indicating that these are only a fraction of the crime reports at Wal-Mart, 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 Wal-Mart.



PD: 62-year-old woman stabbed at Hamden Conn. Walmart 06/02/2016

PBSO: Man wanted for using stolen credit cards at Walmart in West Palm Fla. 06/02/2016

Warrant issued for suspected Crowley Louisiana Wal-Mart shooter 06/02/2016

Officers with the Crowley Police Department is searching for a man wanted in the Saturday shooting at the local Wal-Mart.

Ronald Babineaux, 26, is wanted for attempted second-degree murder in connection with the shooting that occurred in the Walmart parking lot on May 28, 2016. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Police say Babineaux is roughly 5’8” in height, weighs 160 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the Northgate Apartment complex or 1808 Cherry St., both in Crowley. Complete article


Police ID body found at Bastrop Tx. Walmart parking lot 06/02/2016

Man wanted for robbing Madison Tenn. Walmart 06/02/2016

Jewelry kits sold at Walmart, Target being recalled due to high levels of lead 06/02/2016

About 175,000 toy jewelry kits imported from China are being recalled due to high lead content that can pose a risk to children.

The recalled product, Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations, includes three different versions: the Shimmer N’ Sparkle Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Ultimate Gem Machine, the Shimmer N’ Sparkle Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Gem Charm and Slider Bracelets, and the My Look Cra-Z-Art Cra-Z-Jewelz Gem Creations Ultimate Gem Machine.

The problematic part included in all of them is the slider bracelet, which has high concentration of lead. Lead can cause brain damage if ingested, especially by children.

“Lead has a devastating effect on developing children and has no place in children’s products, especially toys,” said Elliot Kaye, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Complete article


Walmart's Smiley is back after 10 years and a lawsuit 06/02/2016

Walmart is bringing back its famous Smiley face icon after a 10-year hiatus and lengthy legal battle.

"We felt like it was time to bring back an old friend, and one of the most-recognized symbols of low price ... Smiley," said Walmart Chief Marketing Officer Tony Rogers in a blog post.

Smiley -- a minimalist image of the classic yellow smiley face -- was used by Walmart (WMT)from 1990 to 2006 to alert shoppers to deals. The character had grown increasingly ubiquitous and complex over the years, sometimes sporting a hard hat, a bow tie, and Robin Hood and Zorro costumes. Complete article


Walmart Has Found a Great Way to Use Drones 06/02/2016

Walmart WMT 0.16% says it is only six to nine months away from starting to use drones to improve how it tracks inventory at its distribution centers.

Ahead of its annual shareholder meeting later this week, the world’s largest retailer gave reporters a demonstration at a center near its Bentonville, Ark.-headquarters, where a drone flew up and down, taking 30 images per second and feeding the information instantly to mainframes. Complete article


Police blotter: Butte man allegedly steals speakers, clothing and flees Montana Walmart; woman claims assault 06/02/2016

Police Blotter: Watford City woman cited for theft at ND Wal-Mart 06/02/2016

Report: Worker buries boss with dirt using front-end loader at DeBary Fla. Walmart site 06/03/2016

DEBARY — A construction worker has been arrested after authorities say he buried his boss in dirt using a front-end loader.

Citing an arrest report, the Orlando Sentinel reports 32-year-old Erick Cox of Sanford was charged Wednesday with aggravated battery.

Witnesses say Cox was arguing with 57-year-old Perry Byrd of Orlando at the Walmart Neighborhood Market construction site on 17-92 in DeBary when Cox dumped two loads of dirt onto Byrd, pinning him to the ground.

The report says Cox then began hitting Byrd in the head with a 6-foot aluminum level. Byrd was knocked unconscious and sustained a "large" cut. Complete article


Man arrested at Fla. Wal-Mart after allegedly attempting to steal headset, Beef-A-Roni 06/03/2016 felony charge of petit theft

Delay approved in May Pa. Wal-Mart carjacking case for mental health evaluation 06/03/2016

Bomb threat causes Stow Ohio Walmart to be evacuated 06/05/2016

Two arrested in robbery at Framingham Mass. Walmart 06/06/2016

Family of geese found living outside of Walmart in Norman Okla. 06/06/2016

Arrest warrants issued for man accused in Tenn. Walmart robbery 06/07/2016

Police Search For Clarksville Tenn. Walmart Theft Suspects 06/07/2016

Woman held at gunpoint in Ariz. Walmart parking lot 06/07/2016

A woman was loading her groceries into her car Tuesday morning when a man held her at gunpoint and robbed her in the parking lot of a Walmart Supercenter on Camelback Road and 95th Avenue, police said.

The victim told police that the unidentified man fled in a black SUV. Complete article


Wisc. Walmart 'glitcher' cuts deal with DA 06/07/2016

Two defendants plead guilty in Utah Wal-Mart shooting 06/07/2016

Police: Woman armed with knife carjacks woman at Port Orange Fla. Wal-Mart 06/07/2016

A woman is facing multiple felonies after carjacking another woman at knifepoint Tuesday in the Port Orange Wal-Mart parking lot, police said.

Catharyn Brandolini, 54, is charged with robbery with a firearm/deadly weapon, carjacking with a firearm/deadly weapon and kidnapping to commit/facilitate the commission of a felony, records show. She was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail.

The 67-year-old victim was loading groceries into her car shortly before 5 p.m. when Brandolini forced the woman into the passenger seat, Sgt. Roxanne Morrow said in a news release. Complete article


Employees, customers "screaming and running out," after Fla. armed Walmart robbery, witness says 06/07/2016

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Customers and employees of an Orlando Walmart were rushed from the store as deputies swept the building, looking for armed robbers who hit the store moments earlier, investigators said.

At about 12:50 a.m., two black males armed with handguns and wearing masks, entered the Walmart at 8990 Turkey Lake Road, deputies said.

They confronted two female store employees, demanded cash and fled the store on foot, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

The two made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Witness Caleb Fisher said the scene was like something out of an action movie.

“We saw, like, the whole store being evacuated, like all the employees and customers are screaming and running out,” he said. “About 20-30 seconds later, just droves of all the sheriff’s (deputies) pulling up and circling the place.” Complete article

Walmart in Orlando's tourist area evacuated second time for bomb threat Wednesday 06/08/2016

2 arrested in Orlando Walmart armed robbery 06/08/2016


Man wanted for unwanted advances at Cheswold Delaware Walmart 06/08/2016

Crime Stoppers searching for Colorado Wal-Mart robbery suspect 06/08/2016

4-alarm fire at Walmart in Clearwater Fla., firefighters hurt 06/08/2016

11 people arrested in protest at West Loop Chi. Ill. Walmart 06/08/2016

Do you know this woman? Woman wanted for stealing $1,700 in electronics from Pa. WalMart 06/08/2016

Police: Couple argue over who owns marijuana in front of cop at Fla. Wal-Mart 06/08/2016

Grandmother in court after allegedly leaving girl, 2, in hot car at Mich. Walmart 06/09/2016

Women vandalize Missouri Walmart in Fenton using maple syrup 06/09/2016

Hooksett NH police: Bomb threat at Walmart unfounded 06/09/2016

Beavercreek Ohio PD searching for Walmart purse snatcher 06/09/2016

Man suffers stroke in Okla. Walmart parking lot, says no one stops to help 06/09/2016

Blotter: Loaded handgun discovered in WV Wal-Mart bathroom 06/0/2016

Wal-Mart says it will stop accepting Visa cards in Canadian stores 06/10/2016

Police Chief Mike Chitwood buys baby formula, groceries for mother after boyfriend abandons kids at Fla. Walmart 06/0/2016

DAYTONA BEACH — Travis Randall tried to walk out of Walmart on Friday without paying for baby formula. When he was stopped, he dropped the items and sprinted away.

He left his girlfriend's children behind — ages 13, 11 and 11 months.

They started walking the 2 miles home.

Daytona Beach police caught up with them and their mother arrived a short time later. Everyone was safe, but they were returning to a house without any food.

Hearing what happened, Police Chief Mike Chitwood drove to Walmart and paid for the $140 in baby formula. He also bought bread, milk, cheese, eggs, juice — and some popsicles for the kids. Complete article


Van found on fire in south Bismarck ND Walmart parking lot 06/10/2016

Bismarck Police are investigating a van found on fire in the south Walmart parking lot June 9.

Officers arrived on scene shortly after 11:30 p.m. and the Bismarck Fire Department put it out.

Authorities say a witness saw a gray pickup pull up next to the van and a man walk to the vehicle.

The witness told police shortly after that the van was on fire, and video surveillance shows the same account. Complete article


Suspected bike thief lassoed outside Oregon Walmart 06/10/2016

Eagle Point, Ore. — A hero on horseback helped bring down a suspected bike thief outside an Oregon Walmart Friday morning.

Like a scene out of the Wild West, the man on horseback lassoed the would-be thief and held him until police arrived.

KOBI-TV reports, a woman walking out of the Eagle Point Walmart saw someone riding away on her bike.

A man who had a horse in his trailer jumped into action. He got on his horse, chased down the suspect and lassoed him. Complete article


Ephrata Pa. police seek suspect in theft from Wal-Mart 06/11/2016

Couple sought in Lebanon NH Walmart robbery 06/13/2016

Police: Armed Tx. Walmart worker who took hostages is fatally shot 06/14/2016

Police in Amarillo say the 54-year-old man was involved in a dispute over a promotion.

AMARILLO, Texas – Officers fatally shot an armed man inside a Walmart store in Amarillo on Tuesday after he took two people hostage, including a manager with whom he had a work-related dispute, according to police.

Amarillo police identified the suspect as 54-year-old store employee Mohammad Moghaddam and said neither hostage was injured. Police said the incident began over a dispute related to a promotion and called the incident a “workplace violence event,” adding that investigators had no reason to believe it was tied to terrorism.

Officers responded to a reported shooting at the store around 11 a.m., amid reports that an armed person was inside and may have had hostages. Police later said officers made their way inside the store and that a police SWAT crew shot the suspect, though they didn’t immediately say whether the man had died. No other injuries were reported.

In a brief statement late Tuesday afternoon, police confirmed that Moghaddam had been fatally shot. Police said Moghaddam had a work-related dispute with a manager he took hostage. Complete article

The Latest: Police: Wal-Mart incident not tied to terrorism 06/14/2016

Walmart worker who held employees hostage had immigrated from Iran years ago 06/15/2016

Texas Rep. Mac Thornberry makes statement regarding hostage situation at Amarillo Walmart 06/15/2016

The American Dream: Walmart hostage-taker neither Muslim nor terrorist 06/20/2016

AMARILLO — Mohammad Sadegh Moghaddam left Iran in 2003 to escape a culture of religious persecution and came to the United States, where he and his wife could pursue the American Dream. Yet the American Dream came saddled with debt, illness, and a dead-end job which pushed him past his limits.

On June 14, Moghaddam went to work in the frozen food section of Wal-Mart at 4215 Canyon Drive. Police said he had been anticipating a promotion. The extra money would have helped his family tread water amid their financial troubles. He was passed over in favor of another worker and rather than go back to the frozen food section, he got a gun.

Around 11 a.m., Moghaddam fired one shot into the ceiling and took two hostages. One was his manager, Glen Jones, and another was an unidentified woman. .....

Emil Martinez and Moghaddam started working together when the Wal-Mart opened in 2004, and worked closely with him for many years. Martinez was shocked when he saw the news on Tuesday, because that was not the Mohammad that he knew. .....

In 2011, Moghaddam and his wife filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy. At the time, they listed $50 in two separate checking accounts as part of their assets along with a house and two cars. Complete article


Six detained in connection to SC Walmart shooting that wounded one 06/14/2016

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff's Department has detained six people in connection with a late Tuesday afternoon shooting at the Walmart on Garners Ferry Road.

According to the Columbia Police Department, one man was shot in the parking lot of the department store. The victim was taken to a local hospital. There is no word on his condition.

The sheriff's department says six people -- including an undetermined number of juveniles -- were stopped in a car on Decker Boulevard shortly before 7 p.m. that matched the description of a vehicle being sought in connection with the shooting. Complete article

Tuesday Walmart shooting ‘isolated incident’ 06/15/2016

Two adults, two juveniles charged in SC Walmart shooting 06/21/2016


2 People Questioned After Shots Fired In Ky. Walmart Parking Lot 06/14/2016

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) - Two people were taken into custody for questioning after shots were fired inside of a Walmart parking lot Wednesday morning.

It happened around 1 a.m. at the Walmart on Richmond Road.

According to police, witnesses say they heard six gunshots being exchanged between people inside of two different vehicles.

Authorities eventually located one of the alleged vehicles involved near the scene of the shooting. Complete article

Heroin deal ends in shoot-out at Wal-Mart lot off Richmond Road Lexington Ky. 06/15/2016


Man who called Orlando shooting ‘community service’ loses Walmart job 06/14/2016

Entrance into Wal-Mart in Bradenton Fla. temporarily closed 06/15/2016

Pair Wanted For Armed Robbery In Dallas Tx. Walmart Parking Lot 06/15/2016

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas Police say two armed robbers struck at a Walmart parking lot at 18121 Marsh Lane around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday, June 15.

Police say as the victim got out of his car, a man with a handgun and another man with a long gun approached and demanded his money. Police say they took it and took off in a gray four-door sedan.

The suspects were captured on video going inside the Walmart store shortly before the crime. Complete article


Woman charged for huffing dust cleaner at South Austin Tx. Walmart 06/15/2016

Some in Bluffton SC not happy about ‘gray wall’ at site of new Walmart 06/15/2016

Little Ferry man being held in Bergen jail faces new shoplifting charges from Teterboro NJ Walmart 06/15/2016

Ariz. Walmart fireworks stand set on fire, suspects sought 06/15/2016

PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) - Police are looking for three to four suspects involved in setting a fireworks stand on fire inside a Phoenix Walmart on Wednesday night.

The Phoenix Fire Department released surveillance video from the megastore at 51st Avenue and Indian School Road showing three people firefighters said were walking away from the display as the fire started.

The video shows the faces of two of the male suspects as they looked back while leaving the store. But it's hard to make out what the female looks like.

The fire started just before 8:30 p.m., according to Capt. Rob McDade. Flames cane be seen in surveillance video and customers running from the fire to safety. Complete article


Meth lab found in Fleming Island Fla. Wal-Mart parking lot 06/15/2016

Wal-Mart reopens in Milford Conn. after robbery 06/16/2016

Visa fights back in high-profile battle with Walmart over credit card fees 06/16/2016 Retailer 'unfairly dragging millions' of consumers into disagreement, credit card company says

Police searching for man who allegedly stole from Bellevue Nebraska Walmart 06/16/2016

Alleged shoplifter leaves wallet at Ga. Wal-Mart, returns to claim it 06/16/2016

Man injured in shooting behind Little Rock Arkansas Wal-Mart 06/16/2016

A man shot in the arm behind a Wal-Mart in southwest Little Rock is expected to be OK after police arrived to the scene and applied a tourniquet, a department spokesman said.

The victim and the shooter knew each other and got into an argument behind the store's auto center, spokesman Lt. Steven McClanahan said. Neither were employees at the Wal-Mart on Baseline Road.

No arrests have been made.

McClanahan said police arrived on scene shortly after the shooting was reported at 1:41 p.m. and were able to stop the bleeding from a bullet wound in the man's arm. Complete article


4 arrested at Mich. Walmart on charges they used stolen credit cards 06/17/2016

Police: Florida family goes on shoplifting spree at Walmart 06/17/2016

Walmart employees subdue stabbing suspect in Hohenwald Tenn. 06/17/2016

HOHENWALD, Tenn. (WKRN) – Wayne County authorities are investigating after a man allegedly stabbed his estranged wife at a Walmart in Hohenwald Friday morning.

According to authorities, 26-year-old Airick Clifft entered the store at 12:45 a.m. and attacked his estranged wife, who is an employee at the store.

He reportedly stabbed her at least four times in the chest and neck with a 4 to 5 inch knife.

A group of Walmart employees then stepped in to subdue Clifft.

While he was being held down, he somehow got a box cutter and began slashing himself. Workers were able to keep him down and prevent him from further hurting himself or anyone else. Complete article

Family of woman stabbed at Walmart credits co-workers for saving her life 06/20/2016


St. Albans woman, Vassalboro man charged with felony theft from Farmington Me. Wal-Mart 06/17/2016

Springfield woman arrested for Conn. Walmart larceny 06/17/2016

Gainesville Fla.'s 'DJ Raffy' attacked in Walmart: Police 06/17/2016

Crookston ND Wal-Mart reopens after police investigate reported bomb threat 06/17/2016

Walmart, Target frozen vegetables among recall over listeria concerns 06/19/2016

Recall includes store brand Great Value, Market Pantry

SEATTLE —A variety of popular frozen vegetables are being recalled amid fears they could be contaminated with listeria.

The voluntary recall issued by National Frozen Foods Corporation affects some Great Value, Live Smart, Market Pantry, First Green and Bountiful Harvest Green products sold between Sept. 2, 2015 and June 2, 2016. Complete article


Man arrested earlier this year at Fla. Wal-Mart, back in jail for skipping court date 06/18/2016

Judge orders Zionsville Ind. to approve Walmart plans 06/20/2016

Wiggins Mississippi police work to identify Walmart shoplifting suspects 06/20/2016

Family of woman stabbed at Tenn. Walmart credits co-workers for saving her life 06/20/2016

Woman blames stolen Pa. Wal-Mart items in her purse on her son: police 06/20/2016

Okla. Walmart greeter allegedly assaulted at Neighborhood Market store near 31st and Garnett 06/20/2016

TULSA - A greeter from a local Walmart store is recovering from several cuts after being attacked this week, says Tulsa police.

Tulsa police are searching for a man who reportedly approached the greeter at the Walmart: Neighborhood Market near 31st and Garnett Monday night.

The greeter told police that when he asked for the suspect’s receipt, the man started punching him and ran out the door. Investigators say they don’t have a good description of the suspect because surveillance video of the attack is grainy. Complete article


San Antonio Tx. Police Department: Man running from Walmart security dies after being hit by passing car on Loop 410 06/21/2016

SAN ANTONIO — A man died Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle on Loop 410 at Ray Ellison Drive as he ran across the highway while fleeing security from a nearby Walmart, police said.

The southbound lanes of Loop 410 were completely shut down at Ray Ellison Drive after the crash, which occurred just after 8 a.m.

San Antonio Police Department officers at the scene said a man, who has not been identified but is in his 40s, was taken to an University Hospital with serious injuries, but was pronounced dead a short time later. Complete article


Could Walmart replace shopping carts with robots? 06/21/2016

Body Found in Parking Lot at Red Bank SC Walmart 06/21/2016

Police: Springville man wanted for theft warrants, found stealing at Utah Walmart 06/21/2016

Sedalia Missouri woman targeted by Walmart mystery shopper scam 06/21/2016

Final defendant sentenced in 2015 Utah Wal-Mart shooting 06/21/2016

Fulton Woman Facing Felony Charge After NY WalMart Theft 06/21/2016

Police looking for missing man, 77, last seen in South Austin Tx. Walmart 06/22/2016

Charges Dropped Against Alleged Mastermind Of Bristow Okla. Walmart Heist 06/22/2016

Altavista Va. Walmart given all clear after suspicious package found not bomb 06/22/2016

Police Blotter: Dickinson woman steals $68 worth of cosmetics from ND Wal-Mart 06/2/2016

Little Ferry man arrested on shoplifting charges at Teterboro NJ Walmart 06/22/2016

Some say Vt. Walmart proposal not so smart 06/23/2016

Wal-Mart Labor Group Asks Retailer to Sit Out of GOP Convention 06/23/2016

Group plan protests, petition drive if company doesn’t act

Wal-Mart has donated $15,000 to the 2016 Republican gathering

A group of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. employees and labor activists are asking the retailer not to support the Republican national convention, joining a chorus of organizations pressuring companies to distance themselves from the party and presumptive nominee Donald Trump.

The group Making Change at Wal-Mart sent a letter to Chief Executive Officer Doug McMillon on Thursday asking the country’s largest private employer to speak out against Trump’s “racist, misogynistic, anti-veteran, and Islamophobic” remarks. If Wal-Mart doesn’t respond by next week, the organization is planning protests at its stores and Trump’s properties. Making Change at Wal-Mart -- which has previously lobbied the chain for higher wages and better benefits -- also said it will petition the retailer’s customers to sign on to the letter.

“We know that Wal-Mart has long supported past Republican nominees and conventions, but this year is different,” the group said in the letter, which also was signed by the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute and the Black Institute. “Donald Trump is different. His values and offensive statements are beyond the pale. If you do choose to remain silent, we must ask: Are Mr. Trump’s values the same as Wal-Mart’s values?” Complete article


Police searching for man accused of snatching woman’s purse at Okla. Walmart 06/23/2016

Walmart program is reducing calls to service for Tampa Fla. Police 06/23/2016

A new program by Walmart is reducing the number of calls for service to some of their stores, according to the Tampa Police Department.

Walmart is starting a new program that they call a "diversion program," which will be used to punish people differently if they are caught shoplifting items of lesser value, like under $25.

The program - in effect at two stores now in Tampa, but expected to be applied regionally - requires shoplifters to pay restitution, and even take an online class.

In exchange, Walmart isn’t calling the police and those shoplifters aren’t being arrested. Complete article


Auburn NY police: Skaneateles man rams into motorcycle in Wal-Mart parking lot 06/23/2016

Police searching for man accused of stealing merchandise from Pa. Walmart 06/24/2016

Victim of attempted Pa. Walmart carjacking last month says coping has made her stronger 06/24/2016

Man enters plea for soliciting child at Mich. Wal-Mart 06/24/2016

Hammer-Wielding Man Attacks Elk Grove Ca. Walmart Employee In Parking Lot 06/24/2016

ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Police are looking for a man accused of attacking a Walmart employee in the parking lot.

Investigators say it happened Thursday evening at the Walmart off of Highway 99 on Elk Grove Boulevard.

Officers say the victim was on the job gathering shopping carts when the suspect approached him and engaged in small talk. Then, for no apparent reason, police say the suspect pulled out a hammer and struck the employee in the face and ran off. ELK GROVE (CBS13) – Police are looking for a man accused of attacking a Walmart employee in the parking lot. Investigators say it happened Thursday evening at the Walmart off of Highway 99 on Elk Grove Boulevard. Officers say the victim was on the job gathering shopping carts when the suspect approached him and engaged in small talk. Then, for no apparent reason, police say the suspect pulled out a hammer and struck the employee in the face and ran off. Complete article


California fugitive caught at Walmart 06/25/2016

Walmart dangling jobs, but seeking millions 06/25/2016

Walmart is the nation's largest private employer and has almost as many employees worldwide as the population of Chicago.

It boasts over 11,500 stores and clubs in 28 countries, has 160 distribution centers in the U.S. and a Supercenter in almost every community where retail activity flourishes.

But it's also reliant on heavy subsidies from taxpayers. One watchdog group estimates that Alabama, alone, has provided nearly $50 million in tax breaks for the Bentonville, Ark.-based corporation.

The tax break total will rise further if a massive proposed distribution center west of Mobile comes to fruition. Combined state and local incentives are expected to reach $12 million. Complete article


Shelby Co. Ky. Walmart reopens after suspicious package found not a bomb 06/25/2016

Conover NC Wal-Mart evacuated after bomb threat 06/25/2016

Meeting to be held on controversial plan for Mass. Walmart Supercenter 06/25/2016

4 arrested after shots fired at Augusta Walmart No one hurt in Sunday shooting, police say 06/25/2016

AUGUSTA, Maine —Two people exchanged gunfire Sunday outside the Walmart in Augusta, leading to four arrests, police said.

Nobody was hurt in the altercation in the Civic Center Drive store's parking lot, which was reported around 5:30 p.m., Deputy Chief Jared Mills said.

Police said the suspects involved were sitting in cars parked next to each other. One occupant, who was not identified, started shooting at the occupants of another car, which resulted in return gunfire.

Police arrested Kwiesha “Reggie” McBride, of New York City; Frankie Dejesus, of Rochester, NY; Diana Davis, of Rochester, NY; and Samantha Tupper, of Augusta. Complete article

Armed men stop Walmart parking lot fight described as 'Western shootout' 06/28/2016

Augusta Wal-Mart shooting involved EBT card, police say 06/28/2016


Man dropped off at Indianapolis Ind. Wal-Mart after NE-side shooting 06/25/2016

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man was dropped off at a northeast-side Wal-Mart after being shot Monday morning.

Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department found a 19-year-old man with gunshot wounds at the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on E. 38th Street Monday around 1 a.m.

The shooting didn't happen at the Wal-Mart, but the man was dropped off there. Complete article


Shots fired outside Tenn. Walmart store during armored car heist 06/27/2016

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A suspect is still on the run after robbing an armored truck this afternoon in front of a Walmart Neighborhood Market.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. Monday at the Walmart located in the 6000 block of East Shelby Drive.

Moments after it happened, the area was swarming with police and FBI agents.

They told WREG's Shay Arthur it was around the lunch hour when a man robbed the armored truck parking in front of the store at gunpoint.

Gregory Nelson said he watched a gunfight in the parking lot. Complete article

Photos released of man accused of robbing Loomis guard at Walmart 06/28/2016


Mom arrested for leaving 5-year-old in hot car in Palatka Fla. Walmart parking lot 06/27/2016

Missouri Walmart employees help save heart attack victim 06/27/2016

Prosecutors: GEAR UP defendant misused nonprofit's money, including $60K at SD Wal-Mart 06/27/2016

Las Cruces, NM woman accused of using stolen credit cards at Walmart 06/27/2016

Walmart has been caught dozens if not hundreds of times making false claims over the decades, practically every year. The following article from Fortune gets to the point about false claims but still doesn't mention that it has been going on for decades; however another article from Forbes treats it as if it is in doubt and doesn't get to strongest claims that it has been misrepresenting origins and implies that they may be in the process of fixing the problem. If they really wanted to fix it they would have done so decades ago.

Walmart Is Still Making Bogus Made In USA Claims Says Ad Watchdog Despite promises to stop last year. 06/29/2016

Following a federal probe in October, retail giant Walmart WMT 1.45% was forced to wipe its website clean of misleading “Made in USA” logos. But a new investigation says that Walmart has continued to use the label on products made outside of the country.

Ad watchdog group Truth in Advertising reported on Tuesday that Walmart’s website is still “replete with false and deceptive U.S.-origin claims.” The group compiled over 100 of these cases from June 2016.

The group reported baseball caps and safety vests that were labelled “Made in the U.S.A.,” yet were in fact produced in China. In some cases, products had parts made outside of the U.S., but was likewise labelled “Made in the U.S.A.” Complete article

Walmart's Made In The USA Claim: Fact Or Fiction? 06/2/2016

Walmart has embraced the “Made in the USA” ethos and this week hosted its third annual Open Call for products made, assembled or grown in the U.S. It’s part of Walmart’s fourth annual Manufacturing Summit, which is Walmart’s initiative to invest in U.S. industry.

But there are doubts about whether all of the products labeled “Made in the USA” are actually made in the U.S.

Made in the USA is a big program for Walmart which made a pledge to source $250 billion in products by 2023. The initiative is expected to create 1 million new U.S. jobs with 250,000 in direct manufacturing and 750,000 in support and services, according to the company.

Last year, Walmart scrubbed the “Made in the USA” labeling from its website following allegations from the nonprofit group Truth in Advertising that found more than 100 examples of items that did not adhere to that label’s requirements. To claim “Made in the USA,” all of the components must be manufactured and assembled in the United States. Complete article


Crowley man wanted in Louisiana Walmart shooting may be in California 06/28/2016

Walmart Founder’s Heirs $250M Fund Helping Support Oakland Ca. Charter School 06/28/2016

OAKLAND (CBS/AP) — A foundation run by the heirs of Walmart founder Sam Walton has announced a $250 million initiative to support charter schools in 17 U.S. cities, including one right here in the Bay Area.

The Walton Family Foundation on Tuesday announced its Building Equity Initiative aimed at helping charter schools establish and expand facilities. The foundation says it will initially focus on urban areas but will expand to help public charter schools serve at least 250,000 more students by 2027.

The initiative will help charter schools get financing for facilities by providing low-interest loans through not-for-profit lenders. Complete article


Police: Mother shopping at Missouri Walmart while child was left in overheated, parked vehicle 06/29/2016

Louisiana Walmart employee accused of theft 06/29/2016

Police seek woman who left Idaho Wal-mart without paying 06/29/2016

Macy's Barred From Detaining Shoplifters, Demanding Damages 06/29/2016

Macy's has been blocked from detaining suspected shoplifters and demanding they agree to pay damages before they are released.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez granted a preliminary injunction on behalf of Cinthia Orellana, who filed a complaint seeking damages for false arrest and abuse of process on the grounds that Macy's coerces accused shoplifters into signing confessions and paying money damages.

Mendez said Orellana, who was detained for shoplifting two shirts in July 2015, had shown a likelihood of irreparable injury on her claim that Macy's abused two New York laws designed to protect retailers.

"Macy's has combined the power it was given under the statutes by using this power as a double-edged sword instead of a shield," Mendez wrote in Orellana v. Macy's Retail Holdings, 453060/2015, a proposed class action that the attorney for Orellana says he may try to take national. Complete article

I-Team: Suspected Shoplifters Told to Pay Fines, Even Without Criminal Charges 11/21/2013


One injured after shooting in Walmart parking lot 06/30/2016

ATLANTA (CBS46) - CBS46 News has learned that one person is injured following a shooting in the parking lot of an area Walmart early Thursday morning.

The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. at the Walmart location on Gresham Road in southeast Atlanta.

Not much is known about the shooting, including the condition of the victim. The identity of the victim is also unknown at this time. Complete article


Knoxville Tenn. man convicted after stealing from Walmart multiple times 06/30/2016

Senators want answers from Green Dot, Wal-Mart after card outage 06/30/2016

Deputies: Man steals laptop, TV from SC Walmart 06/30/2016

Oklahoma City man arrested for allegedly threatening victims at Walmart, trying to break in to vehicle 06/30/2016

Douglas County Deputies Seek Person of Interest in Nevada Wal-Mart Shoplifting Case 06/30/2016

Woman's SUV stolen while she stood just feet away in SC Walmart parking lot 06/30/2016

Cases in 2015 Ga. Wal-Mart stampede mostly resolved, DA says 06/30/2016

A year after dozens of teens went on a rampage through a Macon Wal-Mart, leaving a swath of destruction that made national news, most culprits that authorities identified have been punished.

Eight people were arrested and charged with rioting and criminal damage to property after being identified on the Zebulon Road store’s surveillance cameras during the June 28, 2015, stampede.

Six of the defendants have completed or are in the process of completing a pretrial diversion program, which requires about 200 hours of community service before the case is dismissed, Macon Circuit District Attorney David Cooke said Thursday.

One person wants a trial. Another person, the alleged ringleader of the 88-person stampede, is still awaiting orders from the Army, Cooke said.

Charges against Vashaun Chandler Rozier, then 18, were set to be dropped in November 2015 upon his enlistment in the Army. However, Cooke said there was “red tape galore” getting the deal sealed with the military. Complete article


Blotter: WV Wal-Mart shoplifter arrested on felony third offense 06/30/2016


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