A Plain Township man has pleaded not guilty after prosecutors say he pulled a handgun and tried to shoot a Canton police officer inside a Walmart loss prevention office on Dec. 18, 2025. The 21-year-old is now staring down a stack of felony charges and is being held without bond, according to court records. Officials say the gun never fired and that a Walmart asset protection associate helped wrestle the suspect to the ground before anyone was hurt.
Arraignment and charges
During an arraignment in Stark County Common Pleas Court, prosecutors outlined a lengthy indictment that includes attempted murder with a firearm specification, felonious assault with a firearm specification, robbery with a firearm specification, having weapons while under disability, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated possession of drugs, and obstructing official business, according to News 5 Cleveland. A judge ordered the defendant held without bond and set a March court date as the case moves into pretrial territory.
Video shows the moment the gun failed to fire
Police body-camera and store security video released by investigators shows the officer and a Walmart asset protection associate wrestling with the suspect after he pulls a handgun. Witnesses and reporters say the trigger is pulled, the firearm clicks, and nothing happens. The officer is seen holding fire, apparently to avoid hitting the employee who jumps into the struggle, according to coverage by WSAZ.
Evidence recovered and prior convictions
Court records reviewed by reporters state that officers recovered roughly 50 blue pills that investigators identified as MDMA at the time of the arrest and that the defendant has prior felony convictions that bar him from legally possessing a firearm. Local reports also identify a 23-year-old woman who was detained alongside the suspect and who faces separate municipal charges tied to the alleged shoplifting incident that first drew attention. Cleveland 19 details the court filings and related cases.
Police and store response
Canton Police Chief John Gabbard has pointed to the confrontation as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine call can turn dangerous, praising the fast response that kept shoppers and staff out of the line of fire. Walmart, for its part, publicly commended its asset protection associate and emphasized that customer and associate safety remains a top priority, according to local reporting. The chief’s comments and fuller incident recap are laid out in the Canton Repository.
What the charges mean
The charges filed against the defendant are classified as serious felonies under Ohio law, and the firearm specifications attached to several counts could increase his potential prison time if he is convicted. Ohio sentencing rules are set out in the state’s Revised Code, which defines felony levels and sentencing enhancements for cases involving weapons and repeat offenders. The framework is detailed in the Ohio Revised Code.
Newman remains in custody and is scheduled to return to Stark County court in March for further proceedings. Local reports note that anyone with information about the December incident is being urged to contact Canton police, according to News 5 Cleveland.
