Report of Walmart Employee Stabbed by Shoplifter.
Report of Walmart Employee Stabbed by Shoplifter
Just after 8:15 pm, Portsmouth Police were called to provide mutual aid to New Boston Police. The reason, according to dispatch, a person was caught shoplifting and stabbed an employee while trying to get away.
The New Boston PD has the suspect in custody.
Details are limited, but we will continue to follow the story and provide details as we can.
Shoplifting, unfortunately, is always on the rise near Christmas time. Stores that sell common household Items are most at risk. This year, stores are reporting a surge in thefts of common household items during the pandemic. Police are warning that this is also a common and predictable pattern for the holidays.
What are common targets for shoplifters?
- Electronics
- Decorative Items (jewelry, champagne flutes, lamps, mirrors, art, etc.),
- Hairdryers, clothes, boxes, plates,
- Small items (adhesives, tape, tape guns, and coat hangers)
- Food
- Shoes and purses
Unfortunately, this is a prime time for shoplifting because the staff is distracted, there are lots of people shopping, and items such as jewelry, appliances, and other electronics are very attractive to shoplifters.
In this case, it appears the suspect was quickly apprehended. The extent of any injuries sustained by the victim is still unknown.
UPDATE #1
Due to the time of day and the fact that office personnel has already notified us they will be out of the office for the holiday, we believe this is the suspect in the incident.
Richard J Russell was arrested by New Boston Police on 12/23/20.
He is charged with: Aggravated Menacing, Resisting Arrest, Assault, and Criminal Damaging
His bond is currently set at $12,750.
As with all arrests, the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.
We are still working to find out who was assaulted and their condition.
Update #2
We have received an official statement from Ashley Phillips of Walmart’s corporate offices. She has denied that there was a stabbing or anyone injured on Wal-Mart property last night.
When reporting on breaking events, the situation is always fluid. That’s why we continue to update the story as additional information comes in. Again, we will continue to update as we can.
Reported Walmart Employee Stabbed