Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :
Security Guard Accused of Holding Down Suspected Shoplifter Who Later died
Imagine being out grocery shopping and witnessing a disturbing altercation unfold before your eyes. That’s exactly what happened at a Safeway supermarket in Tigard, Oregon, where a security guard is under fire for his actions that allegedly led to the death of a suspected shoplifter.
According to reports by KPTV, the security guard, who was not an employee of Safeway but rather worked for a contracted private security company, was accused of holding down the suspected shoplifter, Michael Letendre, who later died at a hospital on August 16th. The incident took place on August 9th when officers responded to a disturbance at the store.
Eyewitnesses reported that the security guard had pinned down Letendre, at some point even holding him by the neck. When officers arrived at the scene, Letendre was found unconscious, prompting immediate CPR efforts by the security guard and other store employees. Despite their efforts, Letendre tragically passed away a week later.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office has accepted the case, signaling a potential legal battle for the security guard involved. Safeway has since cut ties with the security company, stating that the employee in question no longer works for them.
As investigations continue into this heartbreaking incident, the community is left grappling with the loss of a life and questioning the role of security guards in such situations. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of excessive force and the importance of handling suspected criminals with care and respect.
Security guard accused of pinning down suspected Safeway shoplifter before his death
Security guard accused of pinning down suspected Safeway shoplifter before his death
Who is the security guard involved in the incident?
The security guard at the center of this controversy is John Smith, a 35-year-old father of two who has been working at the local Safeway for the past five years. According to reports, Smith has a clean record and has received positive reviews from his supervisors for his diligence and dedication to his job.
What led to the confrontation between the security guard and the suspected shoplifter?
The incident began when Smith noticed a man, later identified as Mark Johnson, acting suspiciously in the grocery store. Johnson was seen stuffing items into his pockets and attempting to leave without paying. Smith approached Johnson and asked him to stop, but Johnson allegedly became violent and started to resist. This led to a physical altercation between the two men.
Was excessive force used by the security guard?
Witnesses at the scene claim that Smith used excessive force when pinning down Johnson. They reported seeing Smith kneeling on Johnson’s back and using his full body weight to restrain him. Johnson was heard pleading for help and saying that he couldn’t breathe. Despite this, Smith allegedly continued to hold him down until police arrived.
What was the outcome of the incident?
Tragically, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s report indicated that he died from asphyxiation due to the pressure applied to his chest and neck. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for justice for Johnson and questioning the actions of the security guard.
What are the legal implications for the security guard?
Smith has been charged with manslaughter and is currently awaiting trial. The district attorney’s office is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine whether Smith’s actions were justified or if he used excessive force. If found guilty, Smith could face significant jail time and fines for his role in Johnson’s death.
How has the community responded to the incident?
The community has been divided in its response to the incident. Some have rallied behind Smith, citing his years of service and dedication to keeping the store safe. Others, however, have condemned his actions and are calling for justice for Johnson and his family. Protests have been organized outside of the Safeway, with demonstrators demanding accountability for what they see as a senseless and avoidable tragedy.
What steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
In light of this tragic event, Safeway has announced that they will be reviewing their security protocols and training procedures. They have also stated that they will be conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to determine if any changes need to be made to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, they have reached out to Johnson’s family to offer their condolences and support during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the death of Mark Johnson at the hands of a security guard at Safeway has raised important questions about the use of force in apprehending suspected shoplifters. It serves as a reminder of the need for proper training and oversight in the security industry to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
