CASPER, Wyo. — A man was arrested Monday afternoon on suspicion of assaulting a 77-year-old female employee who allegedly tried to steal a television from an Eastside Walmart, according to law enforcement officials.
The suspect then allegedly assaulted another employee before two Walmart shoppers restrained him and pinned him to the ground, Casper Police Department spokeswoman Amber Freestone said Wednesday in Oil City. told the news.
Freestone said East Ridge Mall police officers quickly responded to multiple calls about the incident around 4:30 p.m. Monday and took the suspect into custody.
A 77-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with injuries. She was reportedly struck in the head with an elbow, Freestone said. The other victim, also an elderly woman, was allegedly punched in the face.
Freestone said the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs and had not yet been released from the hospital to the Natrona County Jail as of Wednesday morning.
A warrant was also issued for the suspect’s arrest, Freestone said.
The suspect was identified as 56-year-old Jeffrey Garner. He was presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“The Casper Police Department would like to recognize responding agencies and quick-thinking citizens who provided assistance to victims, alerted 911 callers, and exercised their freedom to detain violent offenders until law enforcement arrived. Thank you for your vigilance.’ It is an honor to serve alongside you in #ourcommunity,” Freestone said in the release.