SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — An investigation is underway after a suspect was shot by a police officer outside a South Euclid Walmart Tuesday afternoon.
According to a press release from the South Euclid Police Department, the 43-year-old suspect was attempting to shoplift from the Oakwood Commons store when the officer tried to stop him.
3News has now learned that the officer who tried to stop the suspect was off duty.
Lance Christian told 3News he witnessed the entire incident.
"He had like a bunch of clothes in his cart — just rolled it out, didn't pay for it," Christian said. "They told him to stop; he didn't stop."
As this occurred, the individual allegedly tried to run the officer over with their car, causing the officer to fire at least three rounds at the vehicle.
"He got in the car; the police tried to stop them. He rammed into a lady's car, he hit two cars in the parking lot, he drove off," Christian explained. "The cop told him to get our the car and he did. They said, 'Sir, put your hands up. Get on the ground.' He said, 'No,' and then they just shot him because he didn't listen."
The suspect was struck and eventually taken to a local hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect has since been released. The officer was unhurt in the incident.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been called in to investigate the matter, according to officials. A city spokesperson confirmed to WKYC that the suspect hit other vehicles as well, but couldn't provide more details.
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