A 23‑year‑old security guard has been charged after a Major Crimes Unit investigation determined he assaulted a man during a shoplifting incident at a convenience store on Portage Avenue last week.
Police said the guard was arrested on March 2 at 6:44 p.m. as investigators continued to review what happened during the February 28 robbery call.
According to police, the 46‑year‑old man arrested at the time of the incident had entered the store at 12:41 p.m. and attempted to leave with unpaid merchandise. The security guard intervened and blocked the exit, prompting the man to threaten to kill him and assault him.
Investigators now say the guard responded by assaulting the 46‑year‑old with brass knuckles — a prohibited weapon — before tackling him and continuing the assault on the ground. Police allege the guard also threatened to kill the man during the altercation. The incident was captured on video and reported to police the following day, triggering a separate investigation by Major Crimes.
The security guard is charged with Assault with a Weapon, Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon, and Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm.
He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
