A Milwaukee man says a routine trip to Family Dollar turned into something far more disturbing when he pulled out his phone and recorded a security guard repeatedly striking a customer who appeared intoxicated inside the store. He says he has been trying to get answers from the company and Milwaukee police ever since, with no response, while the footage continues to bounce around social media.
The clip and the man’s account were shared with FOX6 Milwaukee, which aired the story on Feb. 16. He told the station the guard not only hit the man several times but also shoved him, and that he has contacted both the store and the Milwaukee Police Department about what he saw, without hearing back.
Video Fuels Fresh Scrutiny of Dollar Store Security
The recording, which has not been independently authenticated by reporters, is once again putting a spotlight on safety inside discount retailers. Family Dollar was sold to private equity firms in 2025, a shakeup that unfolded amid questions over store operations and a wave of closures. Local coverage has also chronicled past violence in and around area locations.
In one earlier case, WISN 12 reported on surveillance footage from a 2019 Brown Deer store that showed a cashier pulling a gun on a customer. No criminal charges were filed in that incident, but it underscored how quickly everyday retail encounters can escalate.
Man With Cellphone Video Presses Officials for Answers
The man who hit record on his phone says he wants officials to review the latest footage and decide whether any action is warranted. For residents who believe a Milwaukee officer has acted improperly, the Milwaukee Police Department explains on its website that complaints can be filed in writing online or by contacting Internal Affairs at 414-935-7942. The Milwaukee Police Department provides additional details on how that process works…