TX shoplifter sues Target, loss prevention agent for $10M for injuries sustained during theft
LUBBOCK, Texas Nov 17 2017 A Texas man is suing a Lubbock-area Target store for up to $10,000,000.
In the lawsuit, Kelton Arthur claims he was tackled by Target store employee Christopher O’Dell in July 2016 at the Target located at 6064 Marsha Sharp Freeway.
“O’Dell approached Arthur from behind knocking Arthur to the ground causing injury to Arthur,” according to the lawsuit. “O’Dell, then attacked Arthur while Arthur was lying on the ground causing injury to Arthur.”
A police report goes into more detail, saying, that Arthur stole merchandise from the store and paints the thief in a different light.
“Arthur attempted to flee,” the report said. “O’Dell placed his hands on Arthur in order to prevent him from leaving when Arthur bit O’Dell on the arm. O’Dell placed Arthur on the ground to control Arthur. Arthur attempted to gouge O’Dell’s eyes out. O’Dell was able to control Arthur on the ground until officers arrived.”
Initially, a grand jury indicted Arthur for robbery. In September, Arthur pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of theft. He was sentenced to one day in jail.
The stolen merchandise was recovered and EMS checked out both Arthur and O’Dell, according to the police report. Neither of them had to go to the hospital.
Security video was also made available.
“In the video, Arthur clearly walks past all points of sale with the property and Arthur clearly assaults O’Dell during his flight from Target,” the police report stated.
O’Dell said Arthur was trying to steal a vacuum and his skills in Jiu Jitsu very well might have saved his life and prevented others from getting hurt.
O’Dell no longer works at Target. He said his former employer supported him and his version of events.
KETK
