Off-Duty Officer Stops Robbery at Walmart

An off-duty Kodiak police officer chased and arrested two people Tuesday when they left Walmart with merchandise they didn’t pay for, according to a Kodiak Police Department statement.

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By Kodiak Daily Mirror

Story Created: May 2, 2011 at 9:39 AM AKDT

Story Updated: May 2, 2011 at 9:39 AM AKDT

 An off-duty Kodiak police officer chased and arrested two people Tuesday when they left Walmart with merchandise they didn’t pay for, according to a Kodiak Police Department statement.

The officer was in the store at 7:54 p.m. when he overheard a commotion as Walmart staff confronted the man and woman about merchandise with an estimated value of more than $1,000. The couple used force to escape the staff and fled to the parking lot, where they attempted to leave in a vehicle.

The officer pursued the couple and placed them under arrest. The female submitted to arrest, but the male did not. While seated in the driver’s seat, he tried to drive a way while fighting with the officer.

The officer was able to control the man and stop the vehicle, but not before it had collided with another car in the parking lot.

The man was subsequently identified as Shaun L. Stewart, 38.  He was charged with robbery in the second degree, theft in the second degree, DUI, driving with a revoked license, assault on a police officer, and providing false identity to a police officer. He was lodged at Kodiak Jail without further incident.

The woman was identified as Nicola Fitzgibbon, 36. She was charged with robbery in the second degree and theft in the second degree. She was also lodged at Kodiak Jail without further incident.

A Walmart employee suffered minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. 

The Kodiak Police Department said it is grateful to the citizens who assisted the police officer with subduing the couple until other police officers could arrive.

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marco f. said on Monday, May 2 at 11:16 AM

wow...props to this public servant!! very admirable indeed

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safetbear said on Monday, May 2 at 6:01 PM

how did these 2 get all the way to kodiak from BEANS CAFE lol. u would have to have drank A LOT or other drugs to think u could sneak out of anywhere with that much stuff. at least no one was seriously hurt.

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Guest said on Monday, May 2 at 9:26 PM

Im trying to picture how a single police officer can grab two people at the same time. Hold one down with the foot, while fighting with another at the wheel? I sure the officer was there to arrest them, but not sure if it really adds up to a true story.

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