Home Depot Worker Killed After Confronting Shoplifter

A loss-prevention worker at a Home Depot was killed Tuesday after confronting a woman who was shoplifting. Police in Pleasanton, Calif., said in a news release that the incident began when they received reports about a man bleeding inside a Home Depot.

Officers arrived on the scene and attended to the victim, 26-year-old Blake Mohs, who was taken to a hospital where he later died of his injuries, police said.

Witnesses at the scene said Mohs “attempted to stop a theft in progress,” and a struggle ensued before being shot. The woman who shot Mohs ran outside the store to a getaway car, which then sped away.

Later that afternoon, the car was located in nearby Oakland and its two adult occupants – identified as the shooter and a driver – were arrested. A child in the car was released to relatives.

“I am devastated by the loss of Blake Mohs in this senseless shooting,” said Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown. “Through his service to Tri-Valley organizations, Blake was a model for others. To have a life cut short is heartbreaking and infuriating. I’m joined by the City Council in offering our deepest condolences to Blake’s family, friends, loved ones, and to everyone impacted by this tragedy.”

The Pleasanton events reflect the dangers increasingly faced by retail’s front-line workers, which is causing some businesses to close locations.