NYC security guard fires shots to deter man ‘attempting to shoplift
NEW YORK CITY NY May 1 2024 A security guard working at a Burlington Coat Factory in New York City deterred an aspiring shoplifter Sunday after shooting at him multiple times, according to police.
The 60-year-old security guard is a retired police officer and currently works at the Brooklyn store, according to the New York Post. The male would-be shoplifter is reportedly 15 years old and entered the store at approximately 4:20 p.m. The individual was reportedly accompanied by four other people wearing masks, which prompted their eventual removal from the store.
After their removal, the group threatened to come back to kidnap and shoot the security guard, according to the New York Post. The 15-year-old reportedly later returned with a gun.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) told The National Desk (TND) officers responding to the scene determined the security guard shot three rounds “in self-defense” due to “being menaced [with] a possible firearm.”
The male individual then fled on foot to parts unknown,” NYPD told TND. “There are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.”
There were no injuries reported in relation to the incident, according to NYPD.
The incident comes as theft concerns soar in New York City and its surrounding areas. Earlier this month, Home Depot hired additional security, including guard dogs, for its New Rochelle location. The security officers wear bulletproof vests and were brought on after migrants broke into cars and solicited customers, according to the New York Post.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched a citywide retail theft task force in November, touting its “360-degree” capability to confront shoplifting. However, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed establishing a statewide version the same month, which would have studied the surge in organized retail theft statewide. The rejection followed reports showing New York State retailers lost a combined $4.4 billion due to shoplifting in 2022.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers supported creating the statewide task force, arguing it could bring “relief” to store owners.
“I am disappointed the governor did not sign this legislation,” Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Marcy, said at the time. “It is important to support our hardworking local businesses and this task force would review solutions to creating a safer environment for business owners as well as customers.
