Walmart employee fired after stabbing by alleged shoplifter

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A Colorado man says he was relieved of his duties after trying to apprehend an alleged shoplifting suspect.

John Zalesky, then a front-end associate for Walmart, said he first questioned then followed an alleged shoplifting suspect outside the store in the 16000 of East Smoky Hill Road. It happened on Aug. 11.

Zalesky said he attempted to pick up the woman’s purse, containing the alleged stolen goods, and was stabbed in the forearm by a man standing on the other side of the car.

“It stung,” Zalesky said. “I mean, it still stings from it.”

Zalesky said the man tried to stab the 68-year-old again before the two individuals jumped into the car, described as an early 2000s silver Toyota sedan, and took off.

“When is enough, enough?” he said.

Calling it a “corporate decision,” Zalesky said he was informed he was being terminated from his position.

“If had I the chance, I’d probably do it again,” he said.

NewsNation affiliate KDVR’s calls into Walmart’s corporate headquarters on Wednesday were unsuccessful.

If you would like to help the Zalesky family, a GoFundMe page has been established.

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