A man who had reportedly been banned from Walmart showed up again, prompting employees to call deputies after an encounter they said involved harassment and threatening behavior.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Walmart in South Point after store employees reported trouble with a man who had previously been told not to return.
According to the sheriff’s report, employees said the man had approached them inside the store and behaved in a way they considered threatening.
Employees Say Man Had Been Warned Before
Two employees told the deputy that the man had previously been trespassed from the business.
They reported that he returned despite that warning and approached them during their shifts.
The employees described the interaction as harassment and expressed concern about the man’s behavior.
The deputy spoke with the man, who disputed their characterization of the encounter. He maintained that his actions had been misunderstood.
Deputy Issues Another Warning
After speaking with those involved, the deputy advised the man that he was not permitted to return to the store.
The report indicates that the deputy documented the complaint and warned him about trespassing.
No arrest was reported.
Ohio businesses generally have the right to prohibit individuals from entering their property. Someone who knowingly returns after being told to stay away may face criminal trespass charges, depending on the circumstances.
In this case, deputies documented the employees’ allegations and the warning, but the report does not establish that criminal charges were filed.
