Alleged shoplifter pulls a gun during questioning. Then a Walmart employee goes into full action hero mode

What began as a routine shoplifting detention inside an Ohio Walmart abruptly turned into a life-or-death struggle when a suspect pulled a handgun during questioning. The gun never fired, but what began as minor theft allegations has now become serious felony charges.

According to local news outlet WOIO, the confrontation unfolded at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, where store loss prevention staff had stopped Shane Newman, 21, and Katerina Jeffrey, 23, on suspicion of shoplifting. After Walmart staff escorted the pair to a back room, a Canton police officer arrived to assist with the investigation. Surveillance and body-camera footage show the officer calmly questioning Newman while a Walmart loss prevention employee stood nearby.

Then Newman pulled a gun

Then, as body cam footage shows, amid the questioning, Newman suddenly reached into a pouch and produced a handgun, pointing it directly at the officer. In the split second that followed, the loss prevention officer rushed forward, grabbing Newman’s arms and wrestling the firearm away as the police officer tackled him to the ground. Walmart staff and officers restrained Newman, who injured no one.

Though a “click” is heard in the footage, the weapon malfunctioned, preventing what prosecutors say could have been a fatal close-range shooting. Video of the incident, released by authorities, shows Jeffrey screaming for Newman to stop as the struggle unfolded in the cramped security office.

Authorities initially cited the pair for attempting to steal merchandise. Although officers partially searched Newman before the interview, he successfully concealed a handgun. Investigators also allege they discovered drugs in Newman’s possession and ammunition on Jeffrey following their arrests.

Newman is now facing charges far more severe than shoplifting, including attempted murder, felonious assault on a peace officer, robbery, having weapons while under disability, and drug possession. Prosecutors have emphasized that the attempted use of a firearm during the detention is what drove the most serious charges. Newman remains jailed in Stark County on a $1 million bond, according to court records

Police also charged Jeffrey with complicity to commit robbery, citing her involvement in the theft and her presence during the struggle. Authorities allege she knew Newman carried a weapon. The court set her bond at $500,000 and banned her from entering any Walmart property.

Both defendants are scheduled for upcoming court hearings later this month. As of the most recent filings, neither has entered a plea, and it is unclear whether either has retained legal counsel.