Shoplifter dies from worker's chokehold :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State

Shoplifter dies from worker's chokehold :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State


Wow this will be a big time lawsuit for CVS. Employees are instructed not to engage shoplifters.

There is a reason behind this instruction. What if the person is armed? The life of the employee might become in jeopardy. Once that person leaves the store, it's a matter for local law enforcement. Employees are discouraged from chasing offenders out of the store. Once they do such, they are placing their own lives at risk, and are not, I repeat, not the responsibility of the company. So this employee stands the risk of losing their job because he/she left their place of employment without the consent of the company.

As for the legal ramifications, regardless if the police decided not too press charges, this matter will go towards the District, or States Attorney's office. Despite the police determining it an "accident", the coroner determined it a "homicide". With that ruling alone, someone will face charges. And should it be proven true about the "off-duty officer" that drew a weapon, come forward. Don't be a gutless coward. It may be possible that you might have been some place you were not supposed too be. That would explain your leaving the scene, and placing a phone call. Remember, phone records can be checked.

The bottom line here is the "known rule". Do not engage robbers, or shoplifters. Nothing good will ever come from it.