A criminal’s petty shoplifting attempt almost cost him his life after his thuggery was thwarted by unbelievably bad timing.
The suspect was spotted trying to exit an Arizona Walmart with stolen goods.
The store’s loss prevention employee challenged the crook as he tried to leave the premises.
When he was met near the door by the Walmart employee, the shoplifter pulled a gun on the staff member.
However, as the thug pulled the gun on the Walmart employee, an armed off-duty police officer was walking into the store and saw what was unfolding.
Although the officer was off-duty, he was uniformed and carrying his weapon.
When the thief produced a weapon as he was confronted, the police officer immediately drew his own, according to local station KTVK.
One shot fired by the officer caused the crook to flee the scene, running for his life
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The suspect ultimately exited the Walmart from a rear door.
Phoenix Police identified the suspect as 35-year-old David Apana.
Phoenix Police is actively working an Officer Involved Shooting near 35th and Southern Avenues. The scene is active so please avoid the area. The are no injuries to officers. PIO will be enroute. pic.twitter.com/aLdnn3ZtZk
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) March 4, 2023
Phoenix Police ultimately apprehended the suspect in a neighborhood west of the business.
Police were also able to recover Apana’s firearm.
Apana is facing charges of aggravated assault on a police officer and armed robbery in connection to the incident.
🚨 MEDIA ADVISORY: UPDATE: March 5, 2023
David Apana was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Jail for multiple felony counts which include Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Armed Robbery. pic.twitter.com/GEeNcfMht5
— Sal DiCiccio (@Sal_DiCiccio) March 5, 2023
Some customers who were at the Walmart during the incident are worried about the business’ emergency procedures.
“I’m concerned about their evacuation procedure,” Joe Torres said of the Walmart, according to KTVK.
“It seems like there isn’t any.
“That’s the only thing I’m concerned about.”
Another shopper expressed fear about the safety of the Walmart.
“It’s going to feel pretty scary to shop here because you don’t know what’s going to happen or who you’re around with,” Veronica Vela said of the business.
No one was injured in the shooting.
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