VIDEO: Gun jams as shoplifting suspect tries to shoot Ohio police officer

CANTON, Ohio (TNND) — An Ohio police officer is lucky to be alive after a suspected shoplifter at an Ohio Walmart attempted to shoot him at point-blank range, only for his gun to malfunction and allow a security worker to intervene.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Shane C.L. Newman, and a woman were seen in bodycam footage being questioned by an off-duty Canton police officer in the store’s loss prevention office for allegedly stealing items from the store, according to details obtained by WEWS.

While inside the office, Newman is seen turning to the side and reaching into a pouch before pulling out a gun and pointing it at the officer, but it doesn’t fire.

The footage shows a Walmart loss prevention employee lunging for the gun and tackling Newman before he can open fire again. After a brief struggle, Newman was handcuffed by the police officer before immediately calling for backup.

Gun jams as shoplifting suspect tries to shoot Ohio police officer (Canton Police Department)

“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection. Thank you to all who regularly pray with me for our offices and our community,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said in a statement.

Newman faces charges of attempt to commit murder, felonious assault of a peace officer and possession of drugs. The woman was taken into custody and charged with complicity to commit robbery.

Canton Police Capt. John Bosley told WEWS the actions of the officer and loss prevention specialist prevented a possible tragedy and credits them for not using deadly force in a stressful and terrifying situation.

“I believe with the loss prevention officer right there in the line of fire, the best option at that point was hands on,” Bosley said.

The captain added that the officer is on paid leave to help him process the event.

Walmart praised the brave actions of the employee and officer in a statement, saying, “We’re proud of the brave action our asset protection associate took to maintain the safety of everyone in our store. We’ll continue to work with police as they investigate.”