BEECH GROVE — Police say an armed shopper prevented a Walmart security guard in Beech Grove from being seriously injured on Saturday afternoon after he fired his gun.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says the licensed gun owner is one of two Good Samaritans who acted during the altercation at the Beech Grove Walmart, located at 4650 S. Emerson Ave.
"It is phenomenal that when we needed the community, they were right there with us," Officer Samone Burris, IMPD's public information officer told WRTV.
"We definitely want to thank both of the Good Samaritans and any other stand-by or person that was here, that helped during this incident."
According to IMPD, a Walmart security guard and a park ranger working at the store off-duty were responding to a shoplifting call at the store around 4 p.m. when IMPD received a resistance call for the location. At that time, according to IMPD, the shoplifter pulled a gun on the ranger and Walmart security guard, at which point a licensed gun owner who was a shopper at the store pulled out his gun and fired.
The suspect ran after hearing the shots, but IMPD officers and another Good Samaritan were able to catch him in the parking lot.
"It definitely does our hearts good that nobody was injured during this altercation. We thank the public that witnessed what was going on and jumped into action with us," Officer Burris said. "We thank the public for just continuing to support us, continuing to rally with us, and continuing to make sure that cases that need to be solved are being solved, with their help, with their support."
On Tuesday, Alexis Flores, 24, was charged by prosecutors with intimidation, battery by means of a deadly weapon, battery against a public safety official, three counts of resisting law enforcement, two counts of pointing a firearm, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, carrying a handgun without a license and theft, according to court documents.
At this time, IMPD reports that a Walmart employee is being treated for minor injuries and the suspect is being treated at a local hospital for injuries he sustained while being apprehended.
The park ranger and Good Samaritans were not injured during the altercation.
This is an ongoing investigation at this time.
