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Video: Off-duty officer shoots shoplifting suspect during scuffle

Bystander video shows the officer grappling with the suspect in a Walmart parking lot

By Suzie Ziegler

DEL CITY, Okla. — An officer is under investigation after a video surfaced appearing to show him opening fire on a shoplifting suspect who was attempting to flee in a vehicle outside an Oklahoma Walmart.

A report from KOCO identifies the man as a Langston University officer, who was off-duty at the time of the incident. The officer has not yet been named.

A bystander video shows the officer grappling with the alleged shoplifter in a parking lot. As the suspect starts to reverse out of the parking spot, the car’s still-open-door appears to strike the officer. That’s when the officer appears to fire off several rounds. Almost a dozen gunshots can be heard during the clip, which ends with the driver fleeing the scene.

Police officials told reporters the driver is expected to survive. According to KOCO, police said they received reports the suspect had a receipt but was trying to leave with more than what he paid for.

The incident remains under investigation.

Langston University officials released the following statement obtained by KOCO:

“The officer was not performing duties on behalf of Langston University at that time of the incident. The Langston University Police Department intends to cooperate with the Del City Police Department if assistance is requested.”

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