Viral footage shows the moment an alleged shoplifter last week at Willow Grove mall in Pennsylvania leaped from the second floor after stealing from a store.
Authorities announced Abdi Wasuge attempted to make a run for it after robbing the Apple Store on April 13. He tried to jump from the second floor of the mall, but he was unsuccessful and fell to the ground. Police say he broke his pelvis and tailbone.
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Video of the leap has surfaced on the internet and now it’s part of the police investigation. Abington police say Wasuge acted like a customer at the Apple store and said he wanted to purchase two MacBook Pro laptops, an iPhone 14 and some accessories. Instead of buying the items, police say he snatched them and tried to run out of the store.
But a bystander tried to stop Wasuge, but it was a struggle and police say Wasuge threatened the bystander by saying, “Back off or I’ll shoot you.”
He dropped the stolen goods and then made his getaway until that plunge onto the hard tile floor. Wasuge also faces charges of simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment.
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Wasuge remains at a local hospital recovering from his injuries. Police say his last known address is in Tempe, Arizona. It’s unclear what he was doing in the Willow Grove area.
Here are some common laws that apply to shoplifting that could apply to Wasuge.
- Criminal Charges: Shoplifting is considered a criminal offense and can result in criminal charges being filed against the person who committed the act.
- Monetary Penalties: If a person is found guilty of shoplifting, they may be required to pay a monetary penalty to the retailer they stole from, as well as a fine to the government.
- Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal charges, shoplifting can also result in civil penalties. This may include a lawsuit filed by the retailer to recover damages and/or an injunction prohibiting the shoplifter from entering the store again.
- Potential Jail Time: Depending on the severity of the crime, a person convicted of shoplifting may face jail time.