Crime & Safety

Police: Walmart Robber Kicks Officer In Genitals

A Walmart loss prevention officer got an unpleasant surprise when he tried to approach a 23-year-old woman after watching her put a number of items in her purse, Tarpon Springs Police said.

A woman was arrested at a Tarpon Springs Walmart last month after she kicked an employee in the genitals before fleeing the store with more than $125 in merchandise she didn't pay for, police said.

According to an arrest affidavit, loss prevention officer Marion Edwards Jr. observed Amanda Detwiler, 23, of Plant City, putting a total of $128.58 worth of merchandise in her purse June 21. When Edwards approached Detwiler to take her to the loss prevention office, she hit him in the genitals with her knee and leg, police said.

The altercation also left Edwards bleeding from Detwiler's fingernails, according to the report. Detwiler ran from the store across the 900 block of East Tarpon Avenue before hiding behind a Dumpster, where police eventually arrested her and charged her with felony strong arm robbery. 

According to the affidavit, after being read her Miranda rights, Detwiler told police she was "sorry for stealing the items." Detwiler told police she struck Edwards because she was "scared to be caught."

Detwiler posted $10,000 bond.


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