Tucson police say they have located an elderly woman who was shown in a viral video apparently pointing a handgun at a suspected shoplifter after an August 1 incident at a Ross store around 10:00 a.m. Surveillance footage shows a man leaving with suitcases, backpacks and purses while an alarm sounded, then being followed into the parking lot by the woman. Officers have documented a potential aggravated assault but note they have no identified victim because the suspected shoplifter has not been found. Investigators say locating and interviewing the alleged shoplifter is necessary before that part of the investigation can proceed.
Elderly Woman Who Appeared to Aim Gun at Alleged Shoplifter Located; Assault Probe Hinges on Finding Suspect
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Tucson police say they have located an elderly woman who was seen in a viral video apparently pointing a handgun at a suspected shoplifter outside a Ross store on August 1. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and collected witness statements after responding to a reported shoplifting at about 10:00 a.m., then made contact with the woman shown in the footage.
What Happened
Video circulating online shows a man exiting the Ross store carrying suitcases, backpacks and purses while the store alarm sounded. The footage then shows an elderly bystander following the man into the parking lot and pointing what appeared to be a handgun, escalating the incident from an alleged theft to a potentially far more serious situation.
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Investigation Status
The Tucson Police Department says it has documented a potential aggravated assault related to the encounter, but it currently lacks an identified victim for that charge because the suspected shoplifter has not been located. Investigators say they must find and interview the man — if he is willing to cooperate — before the aggravated-assault portion of the probe can move forward.
For now, police confirm they have located and spoken with the woman seen with the apparent firearm, while the person she confronted remains at large. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information or additional footage to contact the Tucson Police Department to assist the ongoing investigation.
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