WATCH: Suspect points gun at police officer during Walmart shoplifting arrest

CANTON, Ohio — Canton police officials say two suspects are in custody after one of them attempted to shoot an officer during a shoplifting incident at Walmart on Thursday.

According to a release, the incident happened at about 1:45 p.m. at the Walmart located at 3200 Atlantic Blvd. NE. An officer was processing a man and a woman suspected of shoplifting inside the store’s loss prevention office when the male suspect produced a handgun and attempted to fire it at the officer. 

The weapon did not discharge, police said.

With the assistance of a Walmart loss prevention employee, the officer was able to detain the suspect, identified as Shane C.L. Newman, 21, following a brief struggle. The officer was not injured.

Newman has been charged with attempt to commit murder, felonious assault on a peace officers, robbery, aggravated possession of drugs and having weapons under disability. 

His accomplice, Katerina D. Jeffrey, 23, has been charged with complicity to commit robbery. 

The Canton Police Department released body camera footage of the incident on Friday. You can watch it in the player below. 

In a statement, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said the incident underscores the dangers officers face while on duty.

“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection. Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community,” he wrote.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Canton Police Communications Center at 330-649-5800 or the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers.