A Niagara Falls Police Officer was working an off-duty assignment as store security for Walmart around 3pm on August 26th when asset protection alerted him that two black females were observed placing items into a large purse that was being carried throughout the store.
Officers headed towards the exit closest to the grocery department which was the area both females were walking through. The two females passed all points of purchase and walked directly toward the exit doors. Upon entering the front vestibule area, asset protection identified himself and asked them to stop. The two females briefly looked back and then fled the store on foot.
The off-duty officer assisted asset protection in pursuing the females into the parking lot where they split up and ran separate ways. He pursued the female who was carrying the bag of stolen merchandise. The bag was slowing her down and she quickly discarded it to gain mobility. The officer secured the merchandise and gave it to asset protection before starting his pursuit again.
The females were now together again and, after a brief chase, both voluntarily submitted to apprehension. The females were brought back to the asset protection office where they were issued appearance tickets returnable at Niagara Falls City Court.
If it wasn't for the actions of the off-duty officer, both suspects would have successfully gotten away with the merchandise. No further information is available at this time.
Off-duty Officer Apprehends Female Shoplifters After Chase