A Kentucky store owner, Kaushalkumar Patel, was arrested on Thursday after being accused of chasing, kidnapping and assaulting an alleged shoplifter.
Why It Matters
The incident is just one example of store owners or employees turning to violent methods to combat suspected shoplifters.
According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), stores across the United States lose more than $45 million a day due to shoplifting.
What To Know
In October 2024, a man was allegedly seen taking “a box of vapes” from Patel’s E-Z Super Food Mart in Louisville without paying, according to court documents obtained by local news station WDRB.
The man then ran away on foot, with Patel, 40, and several others being accused of following the alleged shoplifter in a van. When the van caught up with the man, Patel allegedly exited the vehicle and “pepper sprayed the victim in the face.”
The man crawled into a yard where he was allegedly “stomped in the back” by another individual.
Police said that Patel then allegedly “pulled up the victim’s shorts and sprayed victim’s anus with pepper spray” before pulling him into the van.
The group, including Patel, is accused of taking the man to a garage near the E-Z Mart to continue their assault. They allegedly punched and kicked him before striking him with a piece of wood.
Court records say the victim was then put back into the van and was driven to Lee Street where he was dropped off. The victim then called his mother to pick him up.
According to the court records, the victim suffered contusions and bruising, and required stitches in his right shin.
Patel is charged with complicity to kidnapping, assault and wanton endangerment. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment on Friday. His bond was set at $75,000.
Louisville Metro Corrections
What People Are Saying
Barbara C. Staib, director of communications at the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, previously told Newsweek: “Anything that makes people feel threatened or insecure in their ability to take care of their families, themselves, their homes, etc. will impact shoplifting.”
What Happens Next
Patel’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 24.
Other Incidents
Last month, convenience store owner Taiseer “Taz” Zarka in North Carolina was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to five to seven years in prison for the killing of Mark Thomas Garrity.
Zarka believed Garrity had stolen a bottle of Gatorade and attempted to grab the bag Garrity was carrying. Zarka was accused of fatally stabbing Garrity to death after the two engaged in a physical altercation.
Also last month, a New Orleans store clerk shot and killed 16-year-old Cecil Batiz, who allegedly tried to rob the store at gunpoint. And in May 2024, New York City liquor store owner Francisco Valerio was charged with assault after he shot at a suspected shoplifter.
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