A bystander in Arizona pulled out a handgun to stop a shoplifter from escaping a Ross Dress For Less store in August. Now, police are advising against playing hero in such incidents that jeopardize the safety of everyone involved, including the suspect, for mere retail items, per KOLD News 13.
Footage of the confrontation between the suspect and an old woman holding what appears to be a handgun has gone viral on social media. Moreover, Tucson police have confirmed that they are using the viral video as evidence in the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made yet.
Old woman points her gun at shoplifter
In the video, an alleged shoplifter is seen walking away loaded with stolen retail products like backpacks and suitcases from a Ross store in Eastside Tucson. As the alarm blared inside the store, an elderly woman bystander decided to confront the suspect, brandishing a firearm and attempting to stop him in his tracks.
The suspect, visibly threatened, proceeded to walk away until the bystander turned away and walked back to the parking lot. The altercation was captured by a shaken witness from inside her car, providing evidence for the police to investigate further. However, the old woman’s attempt was also brought into question for inserting herself into the situation.
Tucson police investigate the case
Soon after the confrontation, the Tucson Police Department responded to the scene outside the Ross store. While the suspect has not been identified or located, the police did reach out to the old lady with the gun who was still present at the crime scene. “The bystander remained on scene and was contacted by officers during the initial response. We didn’t have to track the old lady down; she was there when police arrived and provided a statement,” said TPD, per KOLD News 13…