Every day, there’s at least one shoplifter caught trying to steal items from stores. While they aren’t the worst criminals out there, that doesn’t mean what they’re doing is acceptable. However, one bystander in Portland, Oregon, clearly had a different opinion. In a video uploaded to Reddit, a woman can be seen being stopped by two security guards at a Fred Meyer store. The male guard held her firmly to prevent her from running, while the female guard conducted a search of her clothes to locate any stolen items. The Portland shoplifter struggled against their hold, demanding they let her go, but the security guards ignored her pleas and continued searching. Throughout the ordeal, a cameraman recorded the incident.
It’s at this point that the cameraman decided to step in, trying to play the role of a knight in shining armor. He argued that what the guards were doing wasn’t okay because they weren’t police officers. The security guards, however, paid little attention to him and continued performing their duties. Once they confirmed that there were no more stolen items, the guards escorted the shoplifter out of the store. They even followed her outside to ensure she wouldn’t sneak back in.
The cameraman followed as well, still convinced he was in the right and that the guards had no authority to treat the shoplifter in that manner. As the male guard made sure the woman left the premises, the cameraman confronted the female guard. Perhaps annoyed by his persistent questioning, she explained that the shoplifter had assaulted her, which is why the male guard had to restrain her in that manner.
“Holy cringe white knight,” one Reddit user wrote after seeing the video. Many other internet users shared the same opinion, feeling the cameraman was in the wrong. While the situation may have looked unpleasant, the guards weren’t hurting the shoplifter; they were simply ensuring she wouldn’t run away and potentially harm someone else.
One Redditor even explained that they knew both of the security guards personally, having previously worked at Safeway and Fred Meyer in Portland. They wrote, “It’s a very thin line of what they are and aren’t allowed to do without getting fired. Usually, they need their LP/AP lead present while handling situations like this, even with repeat offenders. Just like this lady, I know her as well because she’s caused trouble around town. The guy in red is the manager.”
The user went on to say that the person filming “doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Good old Mr. C. will hold girls like this when she tries to scratch him or grab the backpacks of people trying to run out. She gives up because she knows the policy: she was caught, and they will let her go if she complies. She is not a victim; she is a complete criminal and a drug addict.”
