A Plain Township man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he attempted to shoot a Canton police officer during a shoplifting investigation at a Walmart on the city’s east side.
Jordan Miller News has learned additional details after reviewing a criminal complaint and a press release issued by the Canton Police Department.
Police Chief John Gabbard said the incident unfolded at about 1:45 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Walmart located at 3200 Atlantic Blvd. NE. Officers were investigating suspected shoplifting involving a man and a woman when the situation escalated inside the store’s loss prevention office.
According to police, the male suspect produced a handgun and attempted to fire at the officer. The weapon did not discharge. With assistance from a Walmart loss prevention specialist, officers were able to restrain the suspect following a brief struggle. The officer was not injured.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shane C.L. Newman, 21, of Canton. Police said Newman was found in possession of a loaded firearm and approximately 50 blue pills, which Newman allegedly identified as MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive drug commonly known as Molly.
Court records indicate Newman is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in 2023, including aggravated drug possession and illegally conveying drugs onto the grounds of a specified government facility.
Police also arrested Katerina D. Jeffrey, 23, of Canton, who authorities said was involved in the alleged theft. She was charged with complicity to commit robbery.
Newman is expected to appear in Canton Municipal Court on Dec. 19, where he will face a series of felony counts tied to the incident, including allegations that he attempted to kill a police officer, assaulted an officer, committed robbery, possessed illegal drugs and unlawfully carried a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so.
Jeffrey is also scheduled to appear in court to answer to the robbery-related charge.
