Shoplifting suspects create explosion at Wal-Mart as diversion

Published 9:41 am Monday, January 15, 2007

STOCKBRIDGE (AP) — Four men exploded swimming pool chemicals at a Wal-Mart as a distraction to avoid a shoplifting arrest, creating a cloud that sent four people to the hospital, authorities said.

The men apparently were trying to shoplift a toy on Sunday evening. A store employee saw one of the young men put a toy inside his pants.

While the employee was trying to get help, the men went to the area where swimming pool chemicals were stocked and mixed a chlorine-based chemical with another item. It caused a small explosion and released white cloud inside the store, said Lt. Jason Bolton of the Henry County police.

“They made their escape in the chaos that ensued,” Bolton said. “It’s just hard to believe they did something like this to shoplift something as insignificant as a toy.”

Four people, including an employee, were taken to the hospital for respiratory problems. Three others were treated by emergency workers outside the store.

Bolton said the men turned a shoplifting misdemeanor into more serious charges, including “one of terroristic acts.”