LILBURN, Ga. – Authorities say a Walmart worker was shot and killed by a suspected shoplifter at a store northeast of Atlanta.
WCGL-TV reported that the loss prevention officer was gunned down shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday at the Wal-Mart on Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn.
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Lilburn police Capt. Thomas Bardugon said 25-year-old Jaseramie Dion "JD" Ferguson was shot when he and another guard approached a man who was attempting to steal three televisions from the store.
Police released a photo of the suspect from surveillance video. They say the man fled in a red or dark red four-door sedan, leaving the TVs behind.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Ferguson was a married father of three and had worked at the store seven months when he was shot.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the probe. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call 404-516-0653 or 911.
Walmart's corporate office released a statement attributed to the Lilburn store:
We are deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic loss of our friend and colleague last night. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Ferguson family at this difficult time. We will continue to support law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.”