Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Wal-Mart Crime report October 2016





There were at least six shooting incidents at Walmart this month plus at least one more nearby where the victims went to Walmart after being shot and at least five more gun related crimes, including one where an off-duty police officers gun was stolen out of her unlocked car. At least one person was killed in a gun related incident and more injured. There were also at least a couple people stabbed during robbery attempts and a cop was hit by a car.

There were at least four more stories about how Walmart has much higher crime rates than other stores which isn't new except for the fact that they report on this more often. One of them has been reported on for years and they claim that it's getting better; however there is little or no indication that they're addressing the root causes of crime; some of which can't be done by Walmart alone, but even the part they can address doesn't seem to be happening.

There were at least three brawls at Walmarts and numerous assaults as usual. One incident where a former church pastor started choking a 4-month-old toddler that he supposedly didn't know seemingly for no apparent reason.

There were at least three kidnappings or carjackings at Walmart, although the most publicized one appears to have been clowning around or a prank where both the alleged kidnappers and the victim came back without seeming to be involved in any intimidation there were at least two cars crashing into Walmart, including one that went right through the entrance, and another chase following a shoplifting incident that led to a crash elsewhere.

Florida has their share of dead bodies show up at Walmart.

I said that last month but this time they found it after only a couple of days. These dead bodies are not generally considered suspicious.

Poor people have to die someplace.

Several of these incidents including a damaged coin machine and a rest room being set on fire might have been a result of angry customers, although there isn't necessarily evidence of this in many of the reports; however occasionally it becomes to obvious to deny credibly and when they're more common around automated technology or they happen more often at stores cutting corners on services, it is worth consideration.

Walmart is being sued by at least two people for separate incidents of false accusations of shoplifting or going to bizarre extremes. In one case the security guard was allegedly caught on camera planting false evidence; and the other involved an elderly couple that was disabled and may have been confused when leaving the store and the security officers escalated the incident until they used physical force against the could that relied on motorized carts to get around.

A separate incident involving a motorized cart seemed to have resulted in a drunken crash. I don't know if other stores have drunken cart drivers in the stores on a semi regular basis but this isn't the first time this has happened at Walmart.

After being caught selling expired baby formula in the press, they kept doing it; and they also pulled at least a couple of Halloween costumes again this year as part of an annual tradition of responding after the fact to outrage. They blame it on third party vendors, as if they have no control over them. They were also caught throwing a way large amounts of edible food despite claims they donate it to charity and had to evacuate one of their stores when the chemicals used to wash the floors was toxic and four people had to be hospitalized. It wouldn't be surprising if they blame that on an outside contractor, which seems to be standard operating procedure.

Even though one story indicated that they got higher sales and cleaner stores by improving the pay of workers another indicates they only do so when it is required by tax incentives and only do it enough to keep their taxes from rising. Walmart is no longer the leader in solar panels on the roof now that they've been passed by Target; but they now offer legal services at some of their stores. They're also opening what they call academies to train their own staff. This is part of the consolidation of all business interests into the hands of a small number of corporations that aren't generally accountable to the public partly because they donate so much money to campaigns.

Including to Hilary Clinton's which is only mentioned briefly by the traditional media.

Whether it was a disgruntled customer or not they found more razor blades stuck into shopping carts again. This usually happens a few times per year and like other times when it happens once it is often done multiple times in the same area, this time in Oklahoma.

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 September 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.



Hillary Clinton’s former ties to Wal-Mart irritate liberals 09/18/2016

Hillary Clinton’s close ties to Wal-Mart have infuriated progressives who see the big-box store as the embodiment of capitalistic evil, but there’s evidence the former first lady has changed since her time on the Wal-Mart board three decades ago, and will push for stronger labor unions, a higher minimum wage and other goals that may sever her cozy relationship with the ubiquitous company.

The former secretary of state’s evolution on issues like the minimum wage — which would adversely affect Wal-Mart and its 1.2 million employees, many of whom earn hourly wages just over the national minimum — came during her Democratic primary fight with Sen. Bernard Sanders. Mr. Sanders routinely bashed Wal-Mart on the campaign trail and often hinted at Mrs. Clinton’s ties to the company, including the fact that she’s received huge campaign donations from the likes of Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton.

Even President Obama in the 2008 primary attacked Mrs. Clinton for serving on the notoriously anti-union company’s board of directors from 1986 to 1992, when she was first lady of Arkansas, Wal-Mart’s home state.

“While I was working on those streets, watching those folks see their jobs shift overseas, you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board of Wal-Mart,” then-Sen. Obama said during a January 2008 debate. Complete article


Expired food and baby formula remained on Walmart shelves in low-income areas even after publicity 09/30/2016

Shoppers in St. Petersburg took to Facebook to express their outrage over finding expired baby formula and other goods at a local Walmart three weeks ago. The post quickly went viral.

The Tampa Bay Times wrote a front page story about it and a local television station covered it.

At the time, Walmart said employees were working fast to fix the problem. They pledged to do better.

For the next three weeks, Tampa Bay Times reporters browsed the aisles of Walmart stores around Tampa Bay looking for more expired goods. We continued to find expired baby formula, sour cream, baby food, supplements and prenatal vitamins at Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Neighborhood Market stores in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties despite the media coverage that revealed the problem at local stores. Dozens of Times readers also wrote and called in with stories and photos about buying expired goods from Walmart stores in Brandon, Brooksville, Wimauma, Clearwater, Ruskin, Sebring and elsewhere.

We checked out Walmart's competitors, like Aldi, Save-A-Lot, Winn-Dixie and even stores like Family Dollar and Dollar General, to see if they had expired goods, too. We didn't find any.

We also found that the Walmart Supercenter stores and Walmart Neighborhood Market stores that serve neighborhoods that are low income and ethnically diverse seemed to have the most expired goods on their shelves. Complete article


4 arrested following Hayden Idaho Walmart burglary 10/01/2016

Man Killed in Shooting Outside Lauderdale Lakes Fla. Walmart 10/01/2016

Police are investigating a shooting outside a Lauderdale Lakes Walmart that left a man dead Sunday afternoon.

According to Broward Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened near 3001 N. State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes outside a Walmart.

At around 2:15 p.m., deputies responded to reports of a shooting. Police say the victim sustained a gunshot wound and was transported as a trauma alert to Broward Health Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The victim, identified as 50-year-old Kennedy Lee, died a short time later at the hospital. Complete article

Detectives Puzzled Over Fatal Shooting At Wal-Mart 10/02/2016 Shoppers were kept at the Wal-Mart for more than five hours, unable to drive off in their parked cars. Bullet holes could be seen marking the sides of many nearby vehicles.


Man Accused of Sexual Assault Near Beebe Arkansas Walmart Arrested 10/02/2016

Lockport man charged with drug possession after running from police at NY Walmart 10/03/2016

Inside the multi-million dollar Alabama Walmart deal 10/03/2016

Gunshot victim shows up at Ga. Wal-Mart 10/03/2016

A man with a gunshot wound showed up at Wal-Mart on Harrison Road on Monday.

Antonio Davis, 34, had been shot just after noon in the breezeway of building No. 302 at Chambers Cove Apartments, which is just across Chambers Road from the store.

Wal-Mart closed briefly due to the commotion, and Davis was taken to a Macon hospital for treatment, Bibb County sheriff’s Lt. Randy Gonzalez said.

Residents in building No. 301 of the complex said they had heard a gunshot outside, but didn’t know what happened Complete article


Milwaukee Wisc. Walmart store robbed overnight 10/04/2016

Ride home from Ga. Wal-Mart kills half of the ‘four amigos’ 10/04/2016

Peoria Ill. Walmart customer finds restroom on fire 10/04/2016

PEORIA — A Walmart customer who stepped into a men's restroom at the Central Peoria store on Sunday morning found a fire apparently intentionally set in one of the stalls.

The man discovered a burning toilet paper dispenser about 10:45 a.m. at the 3315 N. University St. store and alerted employees, who extinguished the blaze as it spread to a wall, according to a police report.

The fire caused more than $500 in damage. Complete article


Two pedestrians struck in WV Walmart parking lot, one person in custody 10/04/2016

Dublin Wal-Mart evacuated as police investigate threat 10/0/2016

Manchester NH President Road residents vent their frustration with Walmart traffic plan 10/04/2016

One arrested, two hospitalized after being struck by SUV in WV Walmart parking lot 10/05/2016

HUNTINGTON, WV (WCHS/WVAH) — One person is in police custody and two people are being treated for injuries after being struck by a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot Tuesday night.

They may not be alive tonight if it weren't for quick action by other shoppers.

The people who watched those two women get hit described it as a horrifying scene as they jumped in to pull one woman out from underneath the car, and get her breathing again. ....

State police said Hensley was erratic during questioning and admitted to taking a vivitrol injection earlier in the day.

Witnesses said he was also texting and never hit the brakes.

"The one woman went under the first tire, and under the second tire, and he just kept going mowing over the second lady,” Edwards said. Complete article

Wal-Mart crash victim dies; driver re-arraigned 10/13/2016


Suspect in custody after shots fired at Wal-Mart store in Washington 10/05/2016

HAZEL DELL, WASH.—A Clark County sheriff’s spokesman says some employees hid and locked their doors, while others ran outside the store when a gunman opened fire inside a Wal-Mart store Wednesday morning in southwest Washington.

Deputies searched the store for other possible accomplices but did not find any.

Deputies responded to the store after getting a report of an active shooter just before 7 a.m. The store was open at the time of the shooting.

Sgt. Fred Neiman says no one was hurt at the store just north of Vancouver, and the suspect is in custody. Neiman said workers “ did the right thing” by evacuating or taking refuge and calling police. Complete article

Suspected gunman in Wal-Mart shooting is from Gillette Wyoming 10/05/2016

Employees receive active shooter training day before gunman opens fire in Wash. Walmart 10/05/2016

Documents: Homeless man who fired shots at Walmart planned to kill himself, changed mind 10/06/2016


Police: Woman found injecting drugs near infant son in Tenn. Walmart bathroom 10/05/2016

Purcell Okla. police searching for clues related to hit-and-run at Walmart 10/05/2016

Truck hits 13 vehicles in Walmart parking lot in Unicoi Co. Tenn. 10/05/2016

Authorities seek to locate Walmart shoplifter in Green Valley Ariz. 10/05/2016

Man wanted for taking 2 TVs from Smyrna Tenn. Walmart 10/05/2016

Walmart and Amazon Pull 'Tranny Granny' Halloween Costume From Their Sites 10/05/2016

Retail giants Walmart, Amazon, and Target are under fire for reportedly selling a cross-dressing grandma costume for men.

According to Yahoo News, the “Tranny Granny” outfit was pulled from each of the retailers’ websites. But not before it sparked ridicule and outrage online.

On both Walmart and Amazon, the costume was reportedly listed by a third-party vendor named Rasta Imposta. That retailer is still marketing the product as a “Manny Granny” outfit, the report notes. It’s also described as a dress for a babushka, which is a Russian term for an elderly woman or grandmother. Complete article


Pair sought after flat-screen TVs stolen from Overland Park Missouri Walmart 10/06/2016

Two charged with thefts reported at NC Walmart store 10/06/2016

Employees allowed back in West Milwaukee Wisc. Walmart after bomb threats 10/06/2016

Tx. Couple sues Buda, its police, Wal-Mart after ‘heated’ run-in with cop 10/06/2016

Juan Martinez, 73, and his wife, Guadalupe, 69, were shopping at a Buda Wal-Mart when Guadalupe was detained.

Juan Martinez got into a ‘heated exchange’ with a police officer who tackled him, the lawsuit says.

Store officials detained Guadalupe when she left the store with items in the basket of a motorized scooter. ....

“(Martinez) and his wife were going through the store on scooters, due to their inability to ambulate easily,” the complaint said. ....

“Officer Young approached Juan Martinez and asked him to leave the office. Mr. Martinez wanted to see his wife. Officer Young unnecessarily escalated the situation and used force excessive to the need,” the complaint said. “Specifically, Officer Young tackled the elderly and disabled Martinez, failing to control the descent of Mr. Martinez and slammed him hard onto the floor.”

The document said Martinez suffered several broken ribs, among other injuries. Complete article


Amarillo Tx. police investigates late night armed robbery at Walmart 10/06/2016

Wal-Mart rejects settlement with U.S. over alleged bribery 10/06/2016

Parma Ohio police seeking man who exposed himself to Walmart worker 10/06/2016

Police: Man dressed as clown arrested after trying to scare customers at Amarillo Tx. Walmart 10/06/2016

Fla. Walmart customers brawl with fists, carts and cans 10/07/2016

Hurricane tensions ran a bit high at one South Florida Walmart.

On a video posted to social media, two customers have a knock-down, drag-out fight in the middle of the Miami Gardens store, 19501 NW 27th Ave.

The two woman yank on each others hair, scream and punch. At one point, one woman rams another woman with her shopping cart so hard, the victim’s breasts fell out of her dress.

In response, she started hurling cans of food at the other woman. Complete article


Walmart Customer's Car Stolen While She was Shopping 10/07/2016

Police: No credibility behind Sylacauga Alabama Walmart BLM/KKK/Black Panther social media rumors 10/07/2016

Woman found dead in Kansas Wal-Mart parking lot 10/07/2016

Charges filed against shoplifters after officer is hit by car outside Missouri Walmart 10/07/2016

RAYTOWN, MO (KCTV) - A Raytown police officer was hit by shoplifters while attempting to escape from an area Walmart.

Police were called about 10:50 a.m. Friday to the 10300 block of Missouri Highway 350 for a larceny.

An officer attempted to stop a man and woman who had shoplifted items and was struck by their vehicle as they fled the area. Complete article


Brownfield, Lamesa Tx. residents 'shocked' about Wal-Marts leaving 10/07/2016

3 charged with stealing computer from Hendersonville Tenn. Walmart 10/07/2016

Guard cut while trying to stop would-be thief at south Nashville Tenn. Walmart 10/08/2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A security guard was cut on the hand while attempting to stop an alleged shoplifter at a south Nashville Walmart early Saturday morning.

It happened at the Nolensville Road location near Harding Place around 2 a.m.

Metro police told News 2 the guard, who is an off-duty Nolensville police officer, approached the would-be thief and a physical skirmish ensued. Complete article


Clovis man sentenced to 6 years for 2015 NM Walmart armed robbery 10/07/2016

Nationwide warrants issued in Ohio Walmart carjacking 10/12/2016

EARLIER (Oct. 8)

A woman was shoved to the ground this evening and two suspects drove off with her SUV from a Walmart parking lot.

Police were called around 6:45 p.m. to the store, 2465 York Commons Blvd., in Butler Twp. after a male got into the driver’s side and a female got into the front passenger side of the woman’s maroon 2007 Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorer with tan running boards and tan wheel-well trim. ...

Butler Twp. police said today they are enlisting the help of the U.S. Marshal’s Service to catch two suspects who assaulted a woman and stole her SUV on Saturday from the Walmart parking lot.

The victim, a 61-year-old woman, was shoved to the ground in the robbery.

“The male suspect actually grabbed onto her, like as an opposing lineman, and threw her to the ground to the point that she rolled a little bit,” said Detective Kevin Sink. “After that was done, the female suspect runs directly to the passenger side of the car, she jumps in and they take off.” Complete article


Police rescue distressed girls, 4 and 7, locked in hot car at Ga. Walmart 10/09/2016

One person shot at Springdale Arkansas Walmart store 10/09/2016

SPRINGDALE —One person was shot Sunday night at a Walmart store, according to Springdale police.

Officers responded to a shots fired report at the Walmart Supercenter on Elm Springs Road just after 8 p.m. Sunday.

They found a victim located inside the store. The victim was transported to Washington Regional Medical Center in an unknown condition. Complete article

Police ID victim shot inside Springdale Walmart store 10/10/2016 According to police, the suspect and Luna had been involved in a "verbal confrontation" prior to the shooting.

Springdale police make arrest after shooting at Walmart store 10/11/2016


Athol Mass. pair suspected in Orange home invasion found in U-Haul parked in Wal-Mart lot 10/0/2016

Man arrested on report of assaulting American Fork Utah Walmart employee in shoplifting attempt 10/10/2016

NY Walmart worker accused of stealing 10/10/2016

Woman delivers baby while checking out at Utah Walmart 10/10/2016

Most Wanted: police say check-out scam artists hit Kingsport Wal-Mart 10/10/2016

Police need help finding armed Tx. Walmart robbery suspect 10/11/2016

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police are asking for help finding an armed suspect who robbed a Walmart customer in south Austin on Oct. 2.

The suspect was seen driving a silver minivan at the 9300 block of the South Interstate 35 service road, near West Slaughter Lane. Police say after he entered the store the suspect approached a customer in the parking lot around 2 p.m. The suspect pulled out a gun and demanded the person give him money. Complete article


Man uses cloned credit cards to purchase thousands in Ind. Wal-Mart gift cards 10/11/2016

Man flashes Walmart shopper in Port St. Lucie Fla. 10/11/2016

Crews respond to small electrical fire at west side Columbia Missouri Wal-Mart 10/11/2016

Police: Three shoplifted from NY Wal-Mart 10/11/2016

Police: Woman stole from Ohio Walmart, led chase 10/11/2016

Evendale police said a 30-year-old woman stole from a retailer, led officers on a car chase, wrecked a car and then tried to escape custody.

With almost $1,500 worth of merchandise in tow, police said Amanda Holinde walked out of the Walmart on Cunningham Road in Evendale around 11:55 p.m. Monday. A store loss prevention officer said he tried to stop her because she had not paid for any of the items, but she took off. Complete article


Wal-Mart raises salaries by enough to beat new overtime rules 10/12/2016

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. raised salaries for entry-level managers just in time, and by just enough, to beat new government overtime rules.

Effective Sept. 1, pay for new and current entry-level salaried managers increased 7.8% to $48,500 from $45,000. That came three months before the Department of Labor’s new rule goes into effect. It doubles the minimum annual pay—from $23,660 to $47,476—in which full-time salaried workers remain eligible for overtime pay.

“We wanted to make these changes before the holiday season, which is a very busy time of the year,” Wal-Mart spokesperson Kory Lundberg told MarketWatch in a phone interview Wednesday. Complete article


Auburn NY Wal-Mart briefly evacuates store after bomb threat 10/12/2016

Police Searching For Woman Suspected of Using Fake $100 at Pa. Walmart 10/12/2016

Authorities respond to bomb threat at Enterprise Alabama Wal-Mart 10/12/2016

Deputies respond to another bomb threat at a Wal-Mart in Dublin Va. 10/13/2016

Westfield Mass. Police do not suspect foul play after woman found dead in Walmart parking lot 10/13/2016

Report: Suspected Meth Lab Found In Car Parked At Pa. Walmart 10/13/2016

She went to SC Wal-Mart with $900 cash. It took just a moment to lose it 10/13/2016

Girl, 11, Missing At Suisun City Ca. Walmart Found Safe 10/13/2016

Police investigate attempted robbery, shooting at Fayetteville NC Walmart 10/13/2016

Fayetteville, N.C. — Fayetteville police are investigating after a car was stolen following an attempted robbery at a Walmart.

Fayetteville police said officers responded to a Walmart gas station at 3421 Murchison Road in reference to a report of a shooting and a robbery.

Authorities said that a man parked his vehicle at the gas pump and exited while a female passenger remained inside. While the man was inside the gas station, a man wearing a white t-shirt with a red bandana around his face and a white t-shirt around his head approached the woman and demanded money.

The man returned to the vehicle and confronted the suspect, who displayed a handgun and fired a single shot toward the ground before ordering the woman to get out of the vehicle, police said. Complete article


Fight at Brown Deer Wisc. Walmart Sends Woman to Hospital; Three Subjects Sought 10/13/2016

BROWN DEER, WI - The Brown Deer Police are looking for three individuals, two females and a male, suspected in beating of a 27-year-old woman that sent her to the hospital Thursday night with non-life threatening injuries. The three suspects are also believed to be driving a car stolen from the City of West Milwaukee.

The Brown Deer Police were called to the Walmart store on W Brown Deer Road around 9:50 PM to break up a fight between three females. The fight began following an argument between the victim and two suspects. The two female suspects and a male subject then fled the scene in a stolen 2004 Dodge Intrepid, Wisconsin license number 531KXN. A short chase ensued but was terminated due to dangerous speeds. Complete article


Man reports stabbing near Louisiana Walmart parking lot 10/14/2016

Vehicle knocks woman unconscious outside Wal-Mart and Sonic in Moulton Alabama 10/14/2016

Coronado Mall, Walmart among top places Albuquerque NM police are called out to 10/14/2016

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Crime is on the rise in Albuquerque. That's according to a new report by the Mayor's Office.

As part of that research, the city looked at where police officers responded to the most from January to September 2015.

In the top spot: Coronado Mall. Data from APD showed officers were called there a little over 1,200 times in those nine months.

Also on the list are five of the city's Walmarts and the Circle K on Central and Wyoming, each with over 500 calls respectively.

The city says they recorded everything from shootings to shopliftings, but say most of the calls were for the latter. Complete article


Police: Austin mother turns in son for aggravated robberies at Tx. H-E-B, Walmart 10/14/2016

A concerned mom notified Austin police that her teenage son was likely the culprit behind two alleged attempted armed robberies — one involving a woman who is nine months pregnant — at an H-E-B and a Walmart in South Austin, according to court documents.

Anthony George Zarate, 18, was charged Wednesday on two first-degree felony counts of aggravated robbery. He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Austin police officer responded to an armed robbery call at about 1:40 p.m. on Oct. 2 at an H-E-B in the 2100 block of West Slaughter Lane, where a woman said a young man came up to her in the parking lot and told her to “something to (the) effect of ‘give me your purse,’” according to an affidavit obtained by mySA.com. Complete article


Now get a divorce, other legal services at Walmart 10/14/2016

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - It seems you can already get everything at Walmart. Now, the list of options is growing again.

A new type of store opening in area Walmart locations is making the process of finding lawyer as easy as filling a shopping cart.

Signs at The Law Store offer details on not goods or groceries but divorces and other basic legal services. Also, prenuptial contracts, bankruptcies, wills, and immigration services are available at The Law Store. Complete article


How Did Walmart Get Cleaner Stores and Higher Sales? It Paid Its People More 10/14/2016

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A couple of years ago, Walmart, which once built its entire branding around a big yellow smiley face, was creating more than its share of frowns.

Shoppers were fed up. They complained of dirty bathrooms, empty shelves, endless checkout lines and impossible-to-find employees. Only 16 percent of stores were meeting the company’s customer service goals.

The dissatisfaction showed up where it counts. Sales at stores open at least a year fell for five straight quarters; the company’s revenue fell for the first time in Walmart’s 45-year run as a public company in 2015 (currency fluctuations were a big factor, too).

To fix it, executives came up with what, for Walmart, counted as a revolutionary idea. This is, after all, a company famous for squeezing pennies so successfully that labor groups accuse it of depressing wages across the American economy. As an efficient, multinational selling machine, the company had a reputation for treating employee pay as a cost to be minimized.

But in early 2015, Walmart announced it would actually pay its workers more. Complete article


Irvington Nebraska Walmart evacuated after reports of a bomb threat 10/15/2016

Arlington Wash. Walmart evacuated over threats from man falsely claiming to be armed 10/15/2016

New Orleans Police Department: Gunman threatens to shoot employees during robbery at Walmart in Gentilly Woods 10/16/2016

NEW ORLEANS — A man armed with a gun threatened to shoot employees of a Walmart in Gentilly Woods before he ran off with money during a robbery Saturday morning, police said.

New Orleans police said the robbery was reported just before 11:30 a.m. at the Walmart in the 4300 block of Chef Menteur Highway.

Investigators said a man came into the Walmart and approached the customer service desk, where he gave a cashier a note demanding money. Complete article


Police, witness save life at Epping NH Walmart 10/16/2016

Man charged with false report, fabricating armed robbery in Beaverton Oregon Walmart parking lot after stabbing himself 10/17/2016

Razor blades found on Catoosa Okla. Walmart shopping carts 10/18/2016

A Catoosa mother wants to warn others after she says she was nicked by a razor blade attached to a shopping cart handle at the Walmart in Catoosa.

Haley Waller says Saturday, a Walmart employee helped her find what turned out to be a razor blade that someone slid between the metal cart and plastic handle.

Waller says an employee told her it was the third razor blade that someone turned in that same day. Complete article


Ill. Walmart store robbed at gunpoint in Waukegan 10/17/2016

Douglas Deputies Seek Person of Interest in Nevada Walmart Theft Case 10/17/2016

SHERIFF: Cd'A woman tried to shoplift 360 items from Idaho Walmart 10/17/2016

Man in motorized wheelchair tries to steal TV from Eastlake Ohio Walmart 10/17/2016

Man tries to steal BB gun from Spanaway Wash, Walmart, stabs clerk on way out, prosecutors say 10/17/2016

Arkansas Walmart Shopper Shot in Parking Lot 10/18/2016

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A man finishing his shopping at a Walmart was shot in the parking lot Sunday evening.

The incident happened at around 9 p.m. at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Cantrell.

The man told Little Rock Police he was loading groceries into his car when two men jumped in his car. After the man refused to drive away, he was shot and pistol whipped. Complete article


Drug deal gone bad leads to shooting at Regency Fla. Walmart; One in life-threatening condition 10/18/2016

A possible drug deal gone bad reportedly sent one to the hospital Tuesday night in life-threatening condition after a shooting at the Regency Walmart, police say.

There is no suspect description at the time of this writing and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office homicide unit is still on scene and investigating.

Authorities have surveillance video of the shooting at the Walmart on Hutchinson Park Drive off Monument Road. Complete article

Two men in custody after Jacksonville Fla. Wal-Mart shooting 10/24/2016


Crime Stoppers: Man Steals Purse At Ky. Wal-Mart 10/18/2016

Milford Del.'s "Mr. Wal-Mart" Injured Leaving Work 10/1/2016

First Wal-Mart Academy class in Minnesota graduates 10/18/2016

What does a Wal-Mart graduation look like?

On Tuesday, at the retailer’s first training academy in Minnesota, it went something like this: Its first class of graduates, mostly hourly supervisors of all ages, were clad in blue caps and gowns along with golden sashes — the company’s colors.

There was a procession though two lines of high-fiving and clapping store managers while “Pomp and Circumstance” blared in the background. The podium and backdrop of the stage were made out of blue Pepsi 12-pack cartons and the ceremony itself included a Wal-Mart cheer, a flag ceremony by a local Cub Scout troop and a reading of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” Complete article

Walmart opens training academy in Williamstown NJ 10/20/2016


Clanton Alabama PD search for Walmart robbery suspects 10/18/2016

Suspect in custody after man stabbed at Crosby Tx. Walmart 10/19/2016

HARRIS COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- What began as a love triangle ended up with one man in the hospital and the other facing charges. The Harris County Sheriff's Office says a suspect is in custody after a male Walmart employee was stabbed at the Crosby Walmart.

Around 10:45am, deputies responded to the store in the 14200 block of FM 2100.

That's where they found the 24-year-old bleeding from the chest. Walmart shopper Irma Garcia and others were trying to help him stay alive.

"I witnessed two gentlemen, they were standing over here by the tables," said Garcia, who just happen to park nearby. "Both gentlemen walked towards the PT Cruiser (parked on the side.) The gentleman in the gray shirt was arguing with the employee of Walmart. They pushed each other, all of the sudden. The guy in the gray shirt stabbed the employee." Complete article

Walmart stabbing causes lockdown at Crosby Tx. ISD schools 10/19/2016


Woman ODs on bus in Mich. Wal-Mart parking lot, suspect arrested 10/19/2016

Police seek women using stolen credit cards at Utah Wal-Mart 10/19/2016

Former church pastor arrested in choking of 4-month-old at Wal-Mart in Overland Park Kansas 10/19/2016

A former pastor of a church in New Jersey was tackled by bystanders after he allegedly tried to choke a woman’s baby Wednesday morning inside an Overland Park Wal-Mart.

Police said the baby was not injured.

The incident was reported just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday inside the store at 7701 Frontage Road.

The woman was standing in a checkout line with her 4-month-old baby when a man she didn’t know walked up and started to choke the child. Complete article


Wichita Kansas police vehicle tire punctured at Walmart 10/20/2016

Union asks court to reverse Arkansas Wal-Mart trespassing order 10/20/2016

Grandmother opens fire in Randleman NC Walmart parking lot after losing custody battle to child’s father 10/20/2016

RANDLEMAN, N.C. -- Shots were fired in the Walmart parking lot in Randleman on Thursday afternoon, according to Randleman police.

The incident happened at about 3 p.m.

Randleman police officers on the scene said the shooting stemmed from a custody battle.

A judge granted custody of a 2-year-old to the child's father instead of the grandmother this morning, according to police. The father and grandmother had planned to meet at the Walmart parking lot to hand off the child.

Instead, police said, the grandmother had a gun, pulled up and opened fire. Complete article

Police identify grandmother who opened fire in Randleman Walmart parking lot 10/21/2016


Crashing scooter in Putnam Conn. Walmart leads to shoplifting, prescription pills arrest 10/20/2016

PUTNAM, CT (WFSB) - Troopers said they were called to a Walmart in Putnam for a man reportedly stealing items and crashing a motorized scooter down the store's aisles.

State police arrested Michael White, 31, of Thompson on Wednesday around 11 p.m.

They said they found him cutting packaging and anti-theft devices off from a number of items.

Walmart employees told troopers that White was driving the scooter erratically throughout the store and hit a number of items. Complete article


Man convicted of 2nd degree murder in death of Walmart Neighborhood market employee 10/20/2016

Chemical Spill from floor cleaning forces Jasper Alabama Walmart to evacuate, store on lockdown 10/20/2016

JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) — Multiple responders are on the scene at the Jasper Walmart after its evacuation due to a spill, according to Jasper emergency services.

According to Jasper’s Fire Chief, the floors in the store were cleaned this morning, and the leftover chemical buildup was irritating people.

The City of Jasper has stated that the Walmart was evacuated due to ventilation issues with a floor stripper that is an “inhalation irritant.”

Four people went to the hospital in respiratory distress, but are expected to be ok, according to the Fire Chief. Complete article


Target passes Walmart as top corporate solar customer 10/20/2016

Target has surpassed perennial champion Walmart as the U.S.'s top corporate user of solar power, according to a new report.

Target has installed 147 megawatts (million watts or MW) of solar capacity on 300 stores, according to the 2016 Solar Means Business Report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Complete article


Woman accidentally shoots self while holstering gun in Mich. Walmart parking lot 10/20/2016

2 women with baby shoplift from Vermont Walmart 10/20/2016

Bomb scare forces evacuation at Hudson NH Wal-Mart 10/22/2016

GO PUBLIC Walmart food waste caught on camera: 'They just toss it freely,' says former worker 10/22/2016

A former worker at almost a dozen Walmart stores in the Vancouver area is speaking out about what he calls "disturbing" food waste at the big retailer.

Daniel Schoeler says on every shift at almost every store, he saw loads of what appeared to be perfectly good food dumped in the trash, even though Walmart say it only discards inedible food.

"It's heartbreaking when you go home at the end of the day, to see that much food get thrown out," Schoeler told Go Public.

"They just toss it freely." Complete article


Walmart Pulls ‘Suicide Scar’ Make-Up After Mental Health Outcry 10/24/2016

How far is too far when it comes to Halloween costumes? We’re used to seeing victims of tragic accidents, violent events in history, paranormal attacks, and even poor judgment; the blood and gore get more realistic with every passing year. But Walmart may have gone too far this time, at least according to those who think suicide scar and wound accessories are crossing the line.

The fake scars were part of Walmart’s massive Halloween make-up collection of latex applications intended to look like everything from vampire bat attacks (that old trick of putting two red dots on your neck went out with the 20th century) to the modern day zombie apocalypse. But those events are nothing compared to what’s scaring some mental health advocates. Walmart.com’s ‘Razor Blade Suicide Scar Wound Latex Costume Make Up’ portrayed someone holding up a razor blade to fresh cuts on a forearm.

You know, the kind of injuries people in deep depression or despair sometimes create on the worst days of their loved ones’ lives. Complete article


Arrest Made In Theft, Parking Lot Brawl At Antioch Walmart 10/24/2016

ANTIOCH (CBS SF) – A man was arrested in Antioch Oct. 15 after allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of food from Wal-Mart and assaulting a security guard, according to Antioch City Manager Steve Duran.

Just after 2:30 p.m., a parking enforcement officer in the Wal-Mart parking lot saw a security guard and two others engaged in a physical fight.

Two subjects appeared to be bleeding from the head, and the officer thought he saw the security guard being forced into a vehicle, Duran said.

Police officers arrived and approached Henry Harris, 60, Michael Whigham, 61 and the 72-year-old security guard. Complete article


Roeland Park residents call for tax refunds after Kansas Walmart abandons move 10/24/2016

Teen stabbed during apparent robbery at Springfield Tenn. Walmart 10/24/2016

SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. (WKRN) – Springfield police say a teenager was stabbed Sunday night in an apparent robbery at Walmart.

Officers responded to the hospital around 9:30 p.m. where the victim, 18-year-old Patrick Bush, reported he was stabbed at the business off Tom Austin Highway.

He was stabbed multiple times in the chest, stomach and back.

During their investigation, police say they learned James Auerbach was responsible. He reportedly turned himself in and admitted to the stabbing. Complete article


Police seek alleged Lebanon NH Walmart shoplifter 10/24/2016

Car crashes through Bartlesville Okla. Walmart entrance 10/25/25/16

At least one person was injured Tuesday when a car accidentally backed through the north entrance of the Bartlesville Walmart.

Bartlesville Police Chief Tom Holland told the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise the car was backing out of parking spot, crashed through a barrier pole and through the double doors into the Walmart store. It is the grocery side of the store.

Holland said one person was taken to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle was upset, but didn't appear to be seriously injured. Complete article


Woman, 73, chases man who stole her purse in Pa. Walmart parking lot 10/25/2016

ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. —A 73-year-old Rostraver woman is thankful for the people who stepped in to help after her purse was stolen in a Walmart parking lot.

Donna Greenawalt said she had a hand on her purse as she put shopping bags inside her SUV while in the parking lot on Monday afternoon.

"I turned around to put the bags in the car, and this kid with a hoodie came from nowhere, grabbed my purse and took off," Greenawalt said. "I just felt violated. He wasn't getting my purse, my money, my cards and all of that. So I just chased him and screamed at the top of my lungs." Complete article


Sheriff’s office seeks public’s help in identifying Fla. Wal-Mart pricetag switcher 10/25/2016

Elderly woman robbed at Greenville Ohio Wal-Mart, suspects sought 10/25/2016

Motorist hits Walmart building in Westfield, Mass. taken to hospital with unknown injuries 10/2/2016

3 accused of trying to steal TV from Tenn. Walmart in Mt. Juliet 10/25/2016

Walmarts are still hotspots of crime, but Springfield Missouri police see progress 10/25/2016

Nearly two years into a focused effort by Springfield police to reduce crime at the city's Walmarts, the national retailer still accounts for more than half the city's shoplifting calls, but a department leader says there's been "considerable progress."

Through the first nine months of 2016, police data shows, officers were dispatched 407 times to Walmart's five Supercenters in Springfield for calls reporting shoplifting. That's down from 504 calls in the same period in 2015 — a reduction of 19 percent.

"We still go out there far more often than we care to," Maj. Kirk Manlove told the News-Leader this month. "But at least it's trending the right direction, which is downward." Complete article


Evanston man faces theft, stolen-vehicle charges in Ill. Wal-Mart incident 10/26/2016

WFAA: Wal-Mart tops list of police calls in five North Texas cities 10/26/2016

Day and night, throughout North Texas, the police are called to a particular store.

They break up fights. They deal with the late night drunks. They pick up shoplifters, and document evidence of stolen goods.

Often, when officers arrive, they’re greeted like old buddies. After all, cops are responding to Wal-Mart more than any other location in many cities and towns.

In recent months, the retail giant has come under fire by local officials across the U.S. complaining that its hundreds of stores are a drain on police resources. But what about here? ....

In cities with multiple stores, all of them scored high. For instance, Fort Worth’s five Walmart locations ranked first, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth in calls for service. Complete article


Assault report at Walmart store in Raleigh NC leads to parolee’s arrest 10/26/2016

RALEIGH Police who answered a call about a man assaulting a woman with a knife at a Walmart store early Wednesday arrested a man who they said had five illegal drugs and six crack pipes and whom state prison officials had listed as a parole absconder.

Israel Sampson Edge, 35, who told booking officials he lives at 109 Pineview Drive, was accused of assaulting a woman with a knife shortly before police were called at 12:45 a.m. to the store at 1725 New Hope Church Road.

Police spokeswoman Laura Hourigan said there no life-threatening injuries, but officers charged Edge with assault with a dangerous weapon inflicting serious injury and assault on a female. State criminal law does not define “serious.” Complete article


Off-duty officer's gun, service belt stolen from Walmart parking lot 10/26/2016

Hickory police are trying to find out who broke into a police officer's personal car Monday night and stole her service belt that had her handgun, ammunition, handcuffs, baton, and pepper spray attached to it.

The officer was off duty and had stopped at the Walmart on Highway 70 when the theft occurred. Officials said the officer left her car unlocked and was gone only a short amount of time.

Investigators are not sure if the officer was targeted or if it was a random theft. Complete article


Deputies: Suspect Hits SC Walmart Clerk with Stolen Item 10/26/2016

Police searching for suspect in Ind. Walmart robbery 10/26/2016

One retailer keeps Minn. Twin Cities cops most busy, and it's Walmart 10/27/2016

Across the Twin Cities, retail locations are typically among the places that keep cops most busy, with shoplifting and other crimes common at stores.

But one retailer appears to generate more police calls than any other: Walmart.

The Roseville Walmart, for example, generated about 600 calls for police service last year and it's easily on pace to top that count this year. Last year, about 40 percent of the calls involved theft. The others ranged from disorderly conduct and narcotics to auto accidents and child abuse.

The store hires some off-duty police officers to try to keep things under control. Still, "they're close to taking up too much of our time," said Rick Mathwig, Roseville's chief of police.

He said the department has literally reached its limit with Walmart. Complete article


Police: Man carjacks teen after stealing BB gun, robbing Walmart in Ormond Beach Fla. 10/27/2016

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - Ormond Beach police are hoping surveillance video helps them catch a man who they said robbed a Walmart Thursday and carjacked a teenager.

Investigators said the man walked into the Walmart on West Granada Boulevard, stole a BB gun and then robbed the customer service center.

"We think he was waiting for 30 minutes or longer just for the customer service to clear up before he went and robbed them," Ormond Beach Officer Keith Walker said.

Police said the man left the store, and pointed a gun at a teenager and demanded her keys. Complete article

Suspect in Fla. Wal-Mart robberies still loose, was shot by police before 10/28/2016


Arsonist Sentenced in March WV Wal-Mart Fire 10/27/2016

Police asking for help identifying man after Surfside SC Walmart burglarized during hurricane 10/27/2016

Police: Woman steals from Florence Ky. Walmart, snatches purse in parking lot 10/27/2016

Police work to identify man accused of setting car on fire at Tulsa Okla. Walmart 10/27/2016

Chicopee Mass. police seek public's help in locating 2 suspects in Walmart credit card fraud 10/28/2016

Nebraska woman accused of creating disturbance at Wal-Mart 10/28/2016

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — A woman in eastern Nebraska has been accused of creating a disturbance at a Wal-Mart that involved an employee injury and damage to a coin machine.

Police in Norfolk say 35-year-old Melinda M. Tyler of Bloomfield was at a local Wal-Mart early Friday when witnesses reported she was seen yelling and hitting a machine that collects coins.

A police report says Tyler at some point threw a glass pipe at a Wal-Mart employee. That caused a cut to the worker's wrist. Complete article


Man shot in the buttocks, his dad gets supplies to remove bullet at Ohio Wal-Mart 10/28/2016

Man’s body discovered in car at Fla. Walmart. He may have been there two days. 10/28/2016

Bradenton The Bradenton Police Department is investigating a man’s death after his body was found inside a car in front of Walmart.

Just before noon Friday, police were called to the parking lot of Walmart at 5315 Cortez Road W., after a man’s body was spotted inside a white Dodge Durango.

“It doesn’t appear to be suspicious,” Capt. William Fowler said. Complete article


Kicked out of Wal-Mart? Couple says RV rules unclear in Sioux Falls SD 10/28/2016

Grandma dropped off at Oregon Wal-Mart can't find place to live 10/28/2016

Couple accused of Ind. Wal-Mart thefts 10/29/2016

Video shows possible abduction at Va. Walmart; police seek witnesses 10/30/2016

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Police are investigating a possible abduction after witnesses reported seeing two men pick up a person and force them into the trunk of a car outside a Walamart in Woodbridge Friday night.

Officers were called to the Walmart at 14000 Worth Avenue just after 10 p.m.

Multiple witnesses told police a victim, described only as possibly a younger African-American male, was seen being picked up by two men and put into the trunk of a dark-colored sedan in front of the store. Complete article

Virginia Walmart Abduction Appears False 10/31/2016 According to a statement from Prince William County Police, further investigation revealed the individuals involved, including the alleged victim, appeared to re-enter the store about five minutes after the alleged initial encounter. The alleged victim did not seem to be in distress or make any attempt to get away from the other individuals, police said.


UPDATED: Indiana Walmart employee arrested for alleged bomb threat 10/30/2016

The Linton Police Department booked a Walmart employee into Greene County Jail for allegedly making a bomb threat at the Linton Walmart Sunday.

Linton Police Chief Troy Jerrell said Zachariah Buskirk, 32, of Jasonville, allegedly made the threat in the form of a note Sunday.

Buskirk is facing preliminary charges of Level 6 felony intimidation and Class A misdemeanor false reporting. Complete article


Man arrested after stolen merchandise found in his vehicle at Fla. Wal-Mart 10/31/2016

Woman sues Walmart after being cleared of Fla. shoplifting 10/31/2016

Tampa, Florida -- Imagine shopping at a store paying the cashier and then moments later manhandled as you try to leave. This happened to a Tampa woman walking out of a Walmart.

As 10Investigates explains how this woman claims she was not only framed - but physically detained over less than $30.

The incident happened two years ago as Vicki Carll was walking out of a Tampa Walmart.

Carll says, ”It was the most humiliating thing you could ever go through.”

As soon as she walked out the door, two men grabbed her, manhandled her and dragged her back into the store. ....

Cohen claims this was an elaborate plan by the security guard to frame his client. In a lawsuit filed Monday afternoon, Cohen points out the security tape shows the guard, who just started that day, dumped something on the floor from a box and then seconds later accused Carll of stealing that item.

According to Cohen, a veteran attorney, “I've never seen a case I can think about where the bad guy, in this case the Walmart employee, was actually caught on video planting the evidence. Complete article


Walmart pulls kid-nudity photo books from website 10/31/2016

Man gets prison time for flashing genitals to kids at Mich. Walmart 10/31/2016

3 people, 1 with a machete, arrested after robbing man outside Walmart in Nashville Tenn. 10/31/2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Metro police arrested three people after they allegedly robbed a homeless man near the Walmart on Nolensville Road in Nashville.

An off-duty Nolensville officer was working security at the Walmart at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday when he saw the three people robbing a homeless man, according to a police report.

One of the suspects was wearing camouflage and carrying a machete.

Investigators said the man was in his truck when the suspects walked up to him and demanded money. They took $20 and the man’s phone, according to police. Complete article



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