A routine shoplifting incident at a Walmart in Ohio escalated dramatically when a suspect attempted to shoot a police officer in the head, only to be thwarted by a jammed gun. The unsettling episode unfolded when two individuals, 21-year-old Shane Newman and 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey, were apprehended for allegedly shoplifting at the Canton location.

Footage from a police body camera, shared by Cleveland CBS affiliate WOIO, reveals the tense moments surrounding the arrest. Initially, when an officer conducted a pat-down, Newman denied possessing any weapons. However, once the pair were seated in a security office, the situation took a perilous turn.

Newman, seizing a moment of distraction, retrieved a firearm from his bag and aimed it at the officer. He attempted to fire, but the gun malfunctioned, averting a potential tragedy. The quick-thinking loss prevention officer noticed the threat and shouted a warning, immediately engaging Newman in a struggle for the weapon.

A police officer swiftly intervened, leaping onto Newman and successfully disarming him, ensuring that the situation was brought under control without any injuries. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement encounters, emphasizing the risks officers face in the line of duty.

The loss prevention officer saw what was going on and yelled “hey!” as he grabbed for the gun and wrestled with Newman. An officer jumped on the suspect before disarming him.

“He pointed it right at my face and pulled the trigger,” the officer later said, as captured by body camera footage. “He tried to do it again.”

The officer was thankful for the loss prevention officer, saying he would put him up for an award. He also said he would have shot Newman but didn”t want to hit the Walmart employee as he wrestled the suspect for the gun.

A Walmart spokesperson hailed the actions of the employee.

“The safety and security of our customers and associates is always a top priority,” Jessie Carpenter, Walmart asset protection operations coach said in a statement to WOIO. “We’re proud of the brave action our asset protection associate took to maintain the safety of everyone in our store. We’ll continue to work with police as they investigate.”

Court records show Newman is facing charges of attempted murder, felonious assaulting an officer, robbery and aggravated possession of drugs. Newman reportedly had about 50 molly pills. He’s in the Stark County Jail on a $1 million bond. Jeffrey stands accused of complicitly to commit robbery and remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.

Their next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.

“This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard told the TV station. “Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community.”