A former Walmart employee in Boardman, Ohio, caused a loss of over $400 after urinating on bags of potting mix, according to local police reports. The bizarre incident has raised concerns around store security and product contamination, with Walmart confirming the affected items were swiftly disposed of.
The incident unfolded outside the Boardman Walmart when police were called to the scene around 3:50 p.m. to reports of a former employee defiling products outside the store. The individual, who had recently been terminated, admitted to police that he had been consuming alcohol and decided to relieve himself on a pallet of potting mix bags. Security footage captured his actions, showing him both drinking and urinating behind the pallet.
As a result of the incident, seventy-two bags of potting mix were ruined, totaling a loss of $401.01. An employee informed police that the entire pallet had to be disposed of due to contamination, making the items unsellable. Walmart has banned the former employee from returning to the premises and is considering legal action against him.
The footage also revealed the former employee consuming alcohol on Walmart’s premises, raising concerns about store security and trespassing. Despite no longer being an employee, he remained on the property and openly admitted to urinating on the products due to his intoxicated state. Walmart has taken a strict stance on the matter, requesting that the man be criminally trespassed from all locations and supporting legal measures against him.
Walmart expressed outrage at the former employee’s actions, emphasizing their commitment to customer safety and product integrity. The contaminated products were disposed of, and the affected area was sanitized to ensure cleanliness and prevent any health risks to customers.
This incident is not the first time Walmart has faced bizarre acts of product tampering. In a similar case in 2019 at a Walmart in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, a 20-year-old woman urinated on a pile of potatoes, leading to charges of criminal mischief, open lewdness, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness. These incidents have sparked discussions about food safety and tampering in stores across the U.S., prompting major retailers like Walmart to increase surveillance efforts to protect both products and customers.
Overall, the incident in Boardman serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining security and cleanliness in retail locations to ensure the safety and well-being of customers. Walmart’s swift response and commitment to upholding standards highlight the company’s dedication to providing a safe shopping environment for all.
