Crime & Safety

Shoplifting Suspect Accused of Biting Oconee Walmart Security Guard

The man also reportedly tussled with another loss prevention officer, which caused an open wound to the employee's knee. An arrest doesn't mean a conviction.

Two Walmart employees were injured during a confrontation with suspected shoplifters around noon last Wednesday at the store on Epps Bridge Parkway.

According to an Oconee County Sheriff's Office incident report, a loss prevention officer told deputies he witnessed a man and a woman conceal three digital cameras and attempt to exit the store without paying for them. 

He said he and a second loss prevention officer approached the suspects and the male put up a struggle, biting him on his hand, leaving an open wound. The other loss prevention officer told deputies he suffered a large open cut to his knee after the man attacked and shoved him.

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Deputies arrested Joshua Lamar Scott, 21, of Athens, and charged him with battery, criminal trespass, and theft by shoplifting. Bond has been set at $12,000, but as of Monday morning, Scott remained behind bars at the Oconee County Jail.

Qynika B. Smith, 18, of Athens, was also charged with theft by shoplfiting. She was released Nov. 22 on a $1,000 bond.

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