Dramatic police bodycam footage has revealed the heart-stopping moment a shoplifting suspect allegedly tried to shoot his way out of custody, only for his pistol to jam twice at point-blank range. The incident unfolded in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday, December 21, 2025.
A Calm Interrogation Turns Deadly
The video begins with 21-year-old Shane Newman and a woman, identified as Katerina Jeffrey, being questioned by an officer in a back room of a Walmart store. The pair had been searched, but the officer was unaware that Newman had a pistol concealed in his rucksack which evaded initial detection. As they looked over a piece of paper, Jeffrey asked the officer, "Are we going to jail?"
The officer's reply, "Not unless something crazy happens," proved tragically prescient. Without warning, Newman turned, drew the hidden firearm, and pointed it directly at the officer's head. Jeffrey screamed, "No, no, no!" as Newman pulled the trigger.
Miraculous Malfunction Saves Lives
Instead of a gunshot, a distinct clicking sound was heard as the weapon failed to fire. A Walmart security guard immediately leapt on Newman, attempting to wrestle the gun away. In the struggle, the suspect raised the pistol again and tried to fire a second time. The gun jammed once more, emitting another click.
The officer drew his own weapon and shouted, "Get back! Get back!" He later stated he intended to move the Walmart employee out of the line of fire to neutralise the threat. Instead, he kicked Newman in the groin and, with the security guard's help, wrestled him to the floor until backup arrived.
Charges and Community Response
Both suspects were taken into custody. In the aftermath, the officer recounted to responding colleagues that Newman had "pulled the gun out, pointed it at my head and pulled the trigger," but the weapon malfunctioned.
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard addressed the incident, stating: "This incident is a reminder of the ever-present threat of violence against police officers and the gracious provision of God’s protection. Thank you to all of you who regularly pray with me for our officers and our community."
Court records show Shane Newman was charged with attempted murder and felonious assault on a police officer. Katerina Jeffrey faces charges of complicity to commit robbery and having weapons under disability for possession of ammunition, according to FOX 8 reports.
