Walmart worker sacked after being stabbed stopping shoplifter
John Zalesky dismissed post-stabbing while stopping shoplifter, seeks community help
A former Walmart worker faces financial uncertainty after being dismissed following an incident where he was stabbed while attempting to stop a shoplifter. John Zalesky, 68, was working at the Walmart on E. Smoky Hill Rd. in Centennial, Colorado, on August 11. A woman was stealing items from the store, and John decided to intervene.
Another Walmart employee, familiar with the woman’s history of shoplifting, pointed her out to John. He followed her to the store’s exit, requesting to see a receipt, but she offered no response and headed to her car. Determined to stop her, John chased her to a vehicle parked in a handicapped spot near the entrance.
Upon reaching the car, a male suspect inside stabbed John in the arm as he attempted to retrieve the stolen items, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. The couple fled in an early 2000s silver Toyota sedan without license plates. Despite deputies searching the area, the vehicle was not found.
‘Starsky & Hutch’ Walmart worker fired after he gets stabbed trying to stop shoplifter: John Zalesky of Aurora, Colorado, says he was fired from a local Walmart after he tried to stop a shoplifter outside the store. https://t.co/VnK9mwbUoT #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/Ng170zNMJs
— ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) September 1, 2024
John sustained a small cut on his forearm but declined hospital treatment, considering it minor. Remarkably, he returned to work the next day. However, a week later, the store’s assistant manager informed John of his termination. Walmart’s policy prohibits employees from pursuing shoplifters outside the store.
John, now relying on a GoFundMe campaign for support until he secures a new job, expressed his sadness over losing his position. He had hoped to work there for ten years before retiring. Despite his efforts to prevent theft, he felt his dismissal was unjust.
A Walmart representative conveyed hopes for John’s swift recovery and reiterated the company’s commitment to training employees in theft prevention while adhering to policies for a safe environment.
Police, who took statements at the scene, described the suspects as white and in their 30s, with the woman having purple hair. They urge anyone recognising the individuals or the vehicle from surveillance photos to contact the dispatch centre at 303-795-4711.
What Other Media Are Saying
- KDVR reports on John Zalesky, a former Walmart employee who was stabbed by an alleged shoplifter and then fired from his job.(read more)
- KTLA – A Walmart employee in Colorado says he was fired after trying to stop an alleged shoplifting suspect, who then stabbed him.(read more)
- The Forge Gastown reports that a former Walmart employee, part of the “Starsky & Hutch” anti-theft duo, was stabbed attempting to stop a shoplifter, leading to their dismissal.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was John Zalesky let go from Walmart?
Walmart has a policy forbidding employees from following shoplifters outside the store.
What happened to John when he tried to stop the shoplifter?
John was stabbed in the arm by a male suspect inside the getaway car.
Did John seek medical treatment after being stabbed?
No, John refused to go to the hospital or receive stitches.
What did John do after losing his job?
John started a GoFundMe to help cover his expenses until he finds another job.
What is Walmart’s response to this situation?
Walmart expressed hope for John’s quick recovery and emphasized their policy for handling theft safely.
