Handgun discharged by woman inside Thomaston Walmart
THOMASTON — A handgun was discharged by a woman inside the Thomaston Walmart store on May 10.
According to footage from Walmart’s security video, a woman was seen walking down one of the store’s aisles and as she reached into her purse, her handgun fired, said Thomaston Police Sgt. Chris Hansen.
Hansen said the security video showed the woman had a “very shocked reaction” after the handgun was fired and quickly left the store with a man.
No one was injured after the discharge and the bullet entered the floor.
Police are investigating the incident to determine the identity of the woman. Walmart security video footage was not able to confirm the couple’s license plate number after they left the store.
Hansen said police believe it was an accidental discharge and requested that the woman in the video contact Thomaston police.
At this time, police do not know what charges, if any, will be filed, but the matter may be referred to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office for further review, said Hansen.
A statement on Walmart’s corporate website regarding the open carry of firearms in its stores states: “Motivated by our desire to create a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we request that customers no longer openly carry firearms into Walmart or Sam’s Club locations in states where open carry is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement. As of September 2019, we are working to create and display new signage to help communicate this policy. We will continue to follow state and local laws regarding concealed carry permit holders.”
Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com