Toledo OH March 28 2018 A widely circulated online video has fueled debate about whether a Kroger security guard used excessive force when wrestling with a 16-year-old girl accused of stealing Saturday night.

According to a police report, 32-year-old Tom Clingo — who works as a security guard at the store at 2555 Glendale Ave. — pinned the juvenile to the ground when she and another juvenile were approached about “miscellaneous items” they tried to take without paying. Before she was dragged to the ground, the teenager tried kicking and punching Mr. Clingo and later bit him in the chest, the report states.

Roughly 10 to 12 other customers gathered around the area and shouted throughout the incident. The other juvenile fled the scene and had not been arrested as of Monday afternoon, police said.

Much of the altercation was captured on video recorded by 24-year-old Toledo resident Tevin Ford, who spoke to The Blade Monday. As of Monday afternoon, Mr. Ford’s video had been viewed roughly 145,000 times on Facebook and had been shared by more than 3,500 users.

Many on Facebook took issue with the video’s depiction of how Mr. Clingo handled the situation, accusing him of being too rough with the juvenile. Others criticized those seen watching the altercation but not intervening, while some defended Mr. Clingo’s actions as warranted given the circumstances.

Facebook as of Monday afternoon had labeled the video with a warning.

“This video may show violence against a child or teenager,” the warning said.

Mr. Clingo declined comment. He said Kroger told him to relay questions to Toledo Police Department. A Kroger manager declined comment Monday, only adding, “everything’s in the report.”

Toledo Police Department spokesman Sgt. Kevan Toney said the juvenile was arrested and charged with robbery, while Mr. Clingo was not charged with any crime.

Sgt. Toney said the juvenile would’ve been charged with theft but she used force in an effort to get away. He added that his department has received questions about whether his officers used too much force, but he clarified Mr. Clingo works at Kroger, not for TPD.

“It’s important to note that this was not a Toledo police officer and is in no way affiliated with the department,” said Sgt. Toney. “If people were upset with the manner in which he acted, they should contact Kroger, I suppose.”

The juvenile received medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident, and Mr. Clingo had several bruises on his hands and arms, according to the report.
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Toledo Blade

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