Springfield man accused of stabbing Walmart security guard during shoplifting attempt
Springfield MO April 25 2020
Police say a Springfield man tried to leave a Walmart store with a cart full of stolen merchandise and then stabbed the security guard who stopped him.
Eric Reed, 29, was charged earlier this month with robbery and armed criminal action.
According to a probable cause statement, Reed tried to leave the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Grand Street on April 13 without paying for a cart full of merchandise.
When a security guard tried to stop him, Reed allegedly claimed his wife would be coming to the store the next day to pay for the items.
Not buying that explanation, the security guard blocked Reed from leaving, and eventually wrested the cart away from him, according to the statement.
The statement says Reed then grabbed a bottle of juice and walked out of the store.
The security guard reportedly followed Reed out of the store and tried to retrieve the juice.
There was a struggle in the parking lot, and Reed allegedly pulled out a knife and cut the security guard in the hand and abdomen.
Police then arrived and arrested Reed as he was walking away from the store.
Authorities say Reed was involved in different incidents earlier this year where he allegedly assaulted a hospital security guard and a store employee.
Reed is being held without bond in the Walmart case and he does not have an attorney listed for this case. The first-degree robbery charge carries a possible life sentence.
Springfield News Leader
