Athens — A man stopped for shoplifting by Wal-Mart employees turned violent Saturday, resulting in an arrest on a robbery charge.
Christopher Russell Hallmark, 34, was booked into Henderson County Jail, with bond set at $15,500 on the offense.
Athens Police Department reports said Hallmark was attempting to leave the store shortly after 4 p.m. when two male employees spotted him trying to take some merchandise from the store.
As the employees tried to keep him from leaving, the 6-foot 2-inch, 220-pound Hallmark struck the employees. The employees suffered minor injuries in the attack.
When other Wal-Mart employees saw the scuffle, they rushed to the aid of their co-workers and subdued Hallmark.
Cpl. Jason Bosher was dispatched to the store, and arrived less than one minute after being paged out. Bosher placed Hallmark under arrest without further incident.
Wal-Mart had several other, more peaceful encounters with shoplifters over the weekend.
At about 12:15 p.m., Friday, Officer Billy Troy Harrod was dispatched to the store concerning two shoplifters. Amanda Gayle Morgan, 28, was booked on warrants for theft (under $50 and speeding).
At about 5 p.m., Bosher arrested Megan Renee Schultz, 19, for theft $50 to $500, she was booked into jail, and released Saturday after posting bond.
APD returned to Wal-Mart at about 7:30 p.m. when Officer John Riley arrested Jonathan Lloyd Johnson, 27, for theft (under $50), He was booked and released after posting $1,000 bond.
Saturday afternoon, Jason Bosher was dispatched to the store. Class B misdemeanor theft cases were filed against Ylaina Martinez, 19, Andreina Palos, 20 and Filipe Contreras-Huerta, 48.
At about 7:15 p.m., Saturday, Officer John Riley arrested Billy Boyce, 29, for theft under $50.
Several other suspects were issued citations for minor theft Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Alleged shoplifter turns violent
Wal-Mart employees attempt to stop big man leaving with merchandise
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Editor’s Note: This story ran in the Friday edition with the incorrect time. The correct time of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is shown below.
By Kathi Nailling
Staff Writer
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