APTN News
Loblaw, the parent company of Shoppers Drug Mart says an incident involving a security guard and a teen at a store in Thunder Bay is “absolutely unacceptable.”In a video that was widely circulated on social media shows a security guard trying to restrain the youth.At one point, the guard lifts the teen in the air and slams him to the floor of the store.The guard then handcuffs the teen.
The original video was taken off social media. This is a digital copy obtained by APTN NewsIn an email statement, Loblaw Public Relations says they are “deeply concerned by what happened.”The statement says “Shoppers Drug Mart has a no-touch policy, which means pharmacy owners, their store employees and their security partners are not allowed to physically engage with anyone in our stores.”APTN News has spoken with a friend of the family who says they are in Thunder Bay from Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a fly in community in northern Ontario for medical purposes.In a series of Facebook messages, the friend of the family says the teen is “traumatized” from the incident and “still in pain.”Thunder Bay Police say officers were called to the Shoppers Drug Mart on Memorial Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday for “a report of a theft.”Police will only say that “investigators are aware of a video circulating social media believed to be connected with this call and are investigating the entirety of the incident.”The investigation was continuing today with witness interviews.In its statement, Loblaws says “this use of force and handcuffs is a clear violation of that policy. Working with our pharmacy owner we have been in contact with the third-party security provider and have recommended disciplinary action – including restricting the security guard from working at any of our stores.“We sincerely apologize to the family for what happened. It does not reflect our company’s values or customers’ expectations.”
Thank you. Nice to see some people have some intelligence.
The article didn’t answer the important question, was he guilty of stealing?
If he was, I have no sympathy for the punk, and he deserves what he got.
Im going to boy cut shoppers drug mart after seeing this video. The big tough man that put his hands all over the teen and used excessive force is in my mind, is a abuser, and a terrible employee! Hope the kids shoulder isn’t broken and he doesn’t have a concussion and or brain damage. What did he even steal? Or why would he be being dragged out of the store? I thought a shoplifter had to leave the actual store with an item before it was declared shoplifting….
Hold all levels accountable. Shoppers Drug Mart is not retial only. They should have a higher level of ethics and policy to follow.
Security companies across the country should be the focus, this happens all the time in Alberta. In fact, many Indigenous youth are ticketed on top of the assault, for treaspassing. A know one man who has 22 trespassing tickets from a security guard and walking inside a shoppers drug mart. This incident and many others should be investigated further to prevent violence against our youth.
It’s not ok, we can’t afford for youth to be violated at such a young age. Unacceptable, I hope Loblaws will step up and offer this young man counseling, and healing.
As this victim is a young native man, just wondering if a lawyer could make a case for this being a motivated hate crime & assault.
Sue them and the guard
it’s under investigation which means they will stall and hope everyone will forget about it and if they don’t they will say that it is the security companies policy to use force for people who are resisting. When this video came out the man should have been fired and charged but nope they are just looking for disciplinary actions.
Wow. Loblaws now beats children. Assaults minors, handcuffs them, and allows there violent security guard to get away with it, with no real consequenses. And i am supposed to trust and go to you for medicine? What a joke, i will be changing my pharmacy right away.
Nobody knows WHY the kid was subdued ???? Attempted theft ?? Or what ??
A security guard’s job is to call the police. This twit probably has been rejected from the force because he’s unstable
The wildest animal in this planet wouldn’t be treated in such inhumanly fashion!!! Clearly the person who need to be restrained physically and mentally is the “ SECURITY GUARD “.
Shouldn’t we back up a bit, before judgement is made? Was there a theft? Was it a large ticket item? Was it a repeat offender? Was he resisting prior to the beginning of this video clip? This could all be avoided if you don’t put yourself in this situation by stealing in the first place.
Theft should never be tolerated, but this guard’s actions were hardly warranted by a SLIGHT resistance.
I believe Loblaws did the right thing and I’m glad they acted so swiftly to ensure this guard would never be used in their stores again.
I hope the parents sue the SECURITY COMPANY. It was the SECURITY COMPANY’s GUARD that violated the policies and procedures, not Loblaws.
How unacceptable! This completely innocent child has clearly done absolutely nothing to provoke this kind of reaction from the person hired to deter theft and disturbance at the local shopper’s drug mart. Indeed, the hands off position of lawblaws makes the point of a security guard completely valid; only a security guard would be able to observe a delinquent toddler taking merchandise without paying for it, or damaging store property, or causing a disturbance, ask them to leave the store, and contact the authorities. Furthermore, this kind of reaction and treatment (throw-downs and handcuffs) of infants such as this to such victim-less behavior (theft, destruction, and violence) is only going to teach the newborn children that theft, destruction, and violent confrontation is perfectly acceptable behavior. If we don’t protect our young people from the notion that their actions can have negative consequences how will they ever grow up to be responsible and respectful members of society? We must shelter our youths from responsibility in every way possible, and if anyone tries to shove reality in their faces we must immediately retaliate with the full force of the law!
The article didn’t answer the important question, was he guilty of stealing?
If he was, I have no sympathy for the punk, and he deserves what he got.
Im going to boy cut shoppers drug mart after seeing this video. The big tough man that put his hands all over the teen and used excessive force is in my mind, is a abuser, and a terrible employee! Hope the kids shoulder isn’t broken and he doesn’t have a concussion and or brain damage. What did he even steal? Or why would he be being dragged out of the store? I thought a shoplifter had to leave the actual store with an item before it was declared shoplifting….
Hold all levels accountable. Shoppers Drug Mart is not retial only. They should have a higher level of ethics and policy to follow.
Security companies across the country should be the focus, this happens all the time in Alberta. In fact, many Indigenous youth are ticketed on top of the assault, for treaspassing. A know one man who has 22 trespassing tickets from a security guard and walking inside a shoppers drug mart. This incident and many others should be investigated further to prevent violence against our youth.
It’s not ok, we can’t afford for youth to be violated at such a young age. Unacceptable, I hope Loblaws will step up and offer this young man counseling, and healing.
As this victim is a young native man, just wondering if a lawyer could make a case for this being a motivated hate crime & assault.
This is assault. Loblaw needs to take more action against this ‘guard’ and should suport the teen and famil to pursue any and all forms of justice – including necessry unbiased medical csre. #reconcilliation requires allyship.
remember you can report a security guard at the ontario license agency as well the license gets out under review if there is enough proof too make evidence.
Sue them and the guard
This is clearly a case of criminal assault and the security officer should be charged.
it’s under investigation which means they will stall and hope everyone will forget about it and if they don’t they will say that it is the security companies policy to use force for people who are resisting. When this video came out the man should have been fired and charged but nope they are just looking for disciplinary actions.
WoW thats just Brutal – this wannabe cop has serious issues!! Firing him isn’t good enough – must face charges also…
Wow. Loblaws now beats children. Assaults minors, handcuffs them, and allows there violent security guard to get away with it, with no real consequenses. And i am supposed to trust and go to you for medicine? What a joke, i will be changing my pharmacy right away.
Law and order Trump style at the Shoppers Drug Mart is going to cost the drug store big bucks.
Nobody knows WHY the kid was subdued ???? Attempted theft ?? Or what ??
A security guard’s job is to call the police. This twit probably has been rejected from the force because he’s unstable
The wildest animal in this planet wouldn’t be treated in such inhumanly fashion!!! Clearly the person who need to be restrained physically and mentally is the ” SECURITY GUARD “.
Shouldn’t we back up a bit, before judgement is made? Was there a theft? Was it a large ticket item? Was it a repeat offender? Was he resisting prior to the beginning of this video clip? This could all be avoided if you don’t put yourself in this situation by stealing in the first place.
Theft should never be tolerated, but this guard’s actions were hardly warranted by a SLIGHT resistance.
I believe Loblaws did the right thing and I’m glad they acted so swiftly to ensure this guard would never be used in their stores again.
I hope the parents sue the SECURITY COMPANY. It was the SECURITY COMPANY’s GUARD that violated the policies and procedures, not Loblaws.
Sue… could be in for a lot of money… even if he did steal. Can’t do crap like that to an adult or a minor….id sue that f#^$^in goooff like there no tomorrow
How unacceptable! This completely innocent child has clearly done absolutely nothing to provoke this kind of reaction from the person hired to deter theft and disturbance at the local shopper’s drug mart. Indeed, the hands off position of lawblaws makes the point of a security guard completely valid; only a security guard would be able to observe a delinquent toddler taking merchandise without paying for it, or damaging store property, or causing a disturbance, ask them to leave the store, and contact the authorities. Furthermore, this kind of reaction and treatment (throw-downs and handcuffs) of infants such as this to such victim-less behavior (theft, destruction, and violence) is only going to teach the newborn children that theft, destruction, and violent confrontation is perfectly acceptable behavior. If we don’t protect our young people from the notion that their actions can have negative consequences how will they ever grow up to be responsible and respectful members of society? We must shelter our youths from responsibility in every way possible, and if anyone tries to shove reality in their faces we must immediately retaliate with the full force of the law!
Stuff it. Its a lose prevention security staff. U steal from place u get put down. Once again the company’s leaves security out in the cold. Never back ur own staff that makes ur business.
I would definitely make sure that body guard and shoppers are held responsible. This should never have happend!
Wow people have gotten soft on crime. I don’t know what this guy did so maybe the guard could have let him go because the store had insurance to cover the theft but I want to talk about people condemning this guard. First off don’t tell me half of you wouldn’t get physical to protect your own property, serocondly you can’t do so with some level of physicality, the guard showed restraint from what I’ve seen anyone complaining clearly have no experience in such matters, I’ve seen a lot worse boo boo the guy got slammed, teens get slammed playing sports all the time maybe now he’ll realized the repercussions of his actions. I’ve seen thieves steal without hesitation knowing this no touch policy and it’s getting out of hand where we look out more for criminals.
Sue the pants off them all!! This kind of force is unacceptable!!
Theft isn’t theft until a customer leaves the store, any REAL official that actually took training KNOWS THAT. This incident is assault causing bodily harm and the person should be charged and sued.
I am so sick of seeing an excessive use of force on anyone. Feed an ego a little authority and watch their evil rise.
This is assault. Loblaw needs to take more action against this ‘guard’ and should suport the teen and famil to pursue any and all forms of justice – including necessry unbiased medical csre. #reconcilliation requires allyship.
remember you can report a security guard at the ontario license agency as well the license gets out under review if there is enough proof too make evidence.
This is clearly a case of criminal assault and the security officer should be charged.
funny how aptn shows an edited version of the actual video. The actual video is over 2 mins long with the lpo trying to gain control of the thief.
If loblaws and shoppers has a no touch policy maybe they should just hire elderly greeters like walmart.
Seen a similar incident at a Shoppers in Windsor. Doesn’t seem like their no touch policy is very well enforced…
WoW thats just Brutal – this wannabe cop has serious issues!! Firing him isn’t good enough – must face charges also…
Law and order Trump style at the Shoppers Drug Mart is going to cost the drug store big bucks.
Why is the security guard not dressed in uniform? Are they not to be dressed in uniform so people know who they are? And since when do security guards carry handcuffs?? He should have indentified himself to the kid. I hope the family presses charges.
Why was he restrained?? Force… no go… theft, also a no no. Sue company, com’on now…
Is this a break into my house, steal my stuff, and the homeowner is fined for restraining?
Careful… cool heads people.
Something similar with a lesser extent happened to me at Shoppers Drug Mart two years ago.
Around 2 years ago a similar incident in a less violent extent, happened to me at the Bayview Village Shopping Centre Shoppers Drug Mart. The fat and big female security guard physically restrainted me outside the store inside the shopping mall and dragged me back to the store in front of other customers. I tried on some cosmetic samples inside the store as ND it was a total fault of the “security guard” and I didn’t steal anything. I Icomplained to PC and Shoppers Drug Mart afterwards for slander and assault. I believe that they just hide it under the rug.
I do not really know why this came to this point but, I think it was a little too much from the security guard. If the kid was stealing was a bad thing to do but, it is a kid.
Sue… could be in for a lot of money… even if he did steal. Can’t do crap like that to an adult or a minor….id sue that f#^$^in goooff like there no tomorrow
File that LawSuit and charge that security guard too many times they get away with treating our First Nations People Rudely and Disrespectful. Because we nvr speak up for ourselves that why this kind of treatment continues today.
The guard can be charged for assault.
That take down and subsequent hand cuffing was emotionally motivated. Guaranteed those cuffs are too tight. He’s lucky if he didn’t injure that teen. Guard should be removed from duty because he cannot separate his anger, strongman tactics with technique and coolhanded training.
You left out the other 1:22 before the kid was slammed on the floor and the guard struggled with him. Post the WHOLE video if your going to post it.
No product in a Shoppers Drug Mart is worth this sort of treatment for a “suspected theft”. Hope you enjoyed your power trip while it lasted bud, you won’t have a job for much longer. Hope those strong arms of yours enjoy flipping burgers.
Stuff it. Its a lose prevention security staff. U steal from place u get put down. Once again the company’s leaves security out in the cold. Never back ur own staff that makes ur business.
That person likely sustained concussion, possibly an aquuured brain injury by being slammed.
Why was the kid slammed in the first place? Ever tried stopping a shop lifter? If the kid wasn’t stealing, I bet he wouldn’t have been slammed. But oh no, it’s the security guards fault.
sue
Why do police act like this ?maybe the guy never did it
I thought in Canada we are innocent until proven guilty. I guess he was a native they don’t deserve to be treated with love and respect. I think police can do better.
I would definitely make sure that body guard and shoppers are held responsible. This should never have happend!
Loblaws says “this use of force and handcuffs is a clear violation of that policy. Working with our pharmacy owner we have been in contact with the third-party security provider and have recommended disciplinary action – including restricting the security guard from working at any of our stores.
If such is the case, then Assault/Aggravated Assault ought to have been laid against the security guard straight away.
The Youth/Guardian, of course, have the right to bring about civil charges through the courts against Shoppers as well as third party security provider
Sounds like the teen was resisting arrest. The guard is within his rights to make that arrest. If the person is resisting you are allowed to use whatever force is neccessary
We see police do this all the time big police state ca nada
Totally inappropriate, but the security guard just pick someone randomly, just because, oh, I don’t know, because he needed the exercise? Everyone, everyone needs to be accountable.
Wow people have gotten soft on crime. I don’t know what this guy did so maybe the guard could have let him go because the store had insurance to cover the theft but I want to talk about people condemning this guard. First off don’t tell me half of you wouldn’t get physical to protect your own property, serocondly you can’t do so with some level of physicality, the guard showed restraint from what I’ve seen anyone complaining clearly have no experience in such matters, I’ve seen a lot worse boo boo the guy got slammed, teens get slammed playing sports all the time maybe now he’ll realized the repercussions of his actions. I’ve seen thieves steal without hesitation knowing this no touch policy and it’s getting out of hand where we look out more for criminals.
Sue the pants off them all!! This kind of force is unacceptable!!
Theft isn’t theft until a customer leaves the store, any REAL official that actually took training KNOWS THAT. This incident is assault causing bodily harm and the person should be charged and sued.
I hope this young man was not hurt during this! I’m not sure how much to expect from the police as this is Thunder Bay, but hopefully the family can receive some help from the community. Glad someone filmed this.
I swear Thunder Bay has the worst theft problem in Canada. You would not believe the brazen thefts I have seen. The problem is the cops have no time to deal with theft and it has forced stores, banks, everywhere to hire security. These guys are barely trained, get paid not much above minimum wage to do it so that means you get some real power-tripping cowboys in the ranks. I’ve also seen some of the nicest people in the world who are security guards. I’m super confused though because I have NEVER seen a security guard in shoppers not wearing a uniform.
This So Called Security Guard should #NeverBeAllowedToWorkSecurity #AnywhereEverAgain Not Just for Loblaws or Shoppers #AssaultOfAMinor #SueThisSecurityGuard #MakeTheSecurityGuardsNamePublic
First off you need to relax the guard was doing his job. If that’s the issue then we have no issue. There was a crime reported and the guard acted the way he was trained.
Seriously teenager can file a lawsuit against both security company and loblaw.
i agree trina, I think he should be charging the security guard with assault, he had no right to lay hands on him let alone slam him down. i worked for Loblaws for 9 years and they always encouraged the “hands off” policy. we didn’t always listen though and stopped a lot of goods from heading out the door. thankfully no one was ever hurt.
I am so sick of seeing an excessive use of force on anyone. Feed an ego a little authority and watch their evil rise.
funny how aptn shows an edited version of the actual video. The actual video is over 2 mins long with the lpo trying to gain control of the thief.
If loblaws and shoppers has a no touch policy maybe they should just hire elderly greeters like walmart.
Seen a similar incident at a Shoppers in Windsor. Doesn’t seem like their no touch policy is very well enforced…
Why is the security guard not dressed in uniform? Are they not to be dressed in uniform so people know who they are? And since when do security guards carry handcuffs?? He should have indentified himself to the kid. I hope the family presses charges.
Why was he restrained?? Force… no go… theft, also a no no. Sue company, com’on now…
Is this a break into my house, steal my stuff, and the homeowner is fined for restraining?
Careful… cool heads people.
Something similar with a lesser extent happened to me at Shoppers Drug Mart two years ago.
Around 2 years ago a similar incident in a less violent extent, happened to me at the Bayview Village Shopping Centre Shoppers Drug Mart. The fat and big female security guard physically restrainted me outside the store inside the shopping mall and dragged me back to the store in front of other customers. I tried on some cosmetic samples inside the store as ND it was a total fault of the “security guard” and I didn’t steal anything. I Icomplained to PC and Shoppers Drug Mart afterwards for slander and assault. I believe that they just hide it under the rug.
I do not really know why this came to this point but, I think it was a little too much from the security guard. If the kid was stealing was a bad thing to do but, it is a kid.
File that LawSuit and charge that security guard too many times they get away with treating our First Nations People Rudely and Disrespectful. Because we nvr speak up for ourselves that why this kind of treatment continues today.
The guard can be charged for assault.
That take down and subsequent hand cuffing was emotionally motivated. Guaranteed those cuffs are too tight. He’s lucky if he didn’t injure that teen. Guard should be removed from duty because he cannot separate his anger, strongman tactics with technique and coolhanded training.
You left out the other 1:22 before the kid was slammed on the floor and the guard struggled with him. Post the WHOLE video if your going to post it.
No product in a Shoppers Drug Mart is worth this sort of treatment for a “suspected theft”. Hope you enjoyed your power trip while it lasted bud, you won’t have a job for much longer. Hope those strong arms of yours enjoy flipping burgers.
That person likely sustained concussion, possibly an aquuured brain injury by being slammed.
Why was the kid slammed in the first place? Ever tried stopping a shop lifter? If the kid wasn’t stealing, I bet he wouldn’t have been slammed. But oh no, it’s the security guards fault.
sue
Why do police act like this ?maybe the guy never did it
I thought in Canada we are innocent until proven guilty. I guess he was a native they don’t deserve to be treated with love and respect. I think police can do better.
Loblaws says “this use of force and handcuffs is a clear violation of that policy. Working with our pharmacy owner we have been in contact with the third-party security provider and have recommended disciplinary action – including restricting the security guard from working at any of our stores.
If such is the case, then Assault/Aggravated Assault ought to have been laid against the security guard straight away.
The Youth/Guardian, of course, have the right to bring about civil charges through the courts against Shoppers as well as third party security provider
Sounds like the teen was resisting arrest. The guard is within his rights to make that arrest. If the person is resisting you are allowed to use whatever force is neccessary
We see police do this all the time big police state ca nada
Totally inappropriate, but the security guard just pick someone randomly, just because, oh, I don’t know, because he needed the exercise? Everyone, everyone needs to be accountable.
I hope this young man was not hurt during this! I’m not sure how much to expect from the police as this is Thunder Bay, but hopefully the family can receive some help from the community. Glad someone filmed this.
I swear Thunder Bay has the worst theft problem in Canada. You would not believe the brazen thefts I have seen. The problem is the cops have no time to deal with theft and it has forced stores, banks, everywhere to hire security. These guys are barely trained, get paid not much above minimum wage to do it so that means you get some real power-tripping cowboys in the ranks. I’ve also seen some of the nicest people in the world who are security guards. I’m super confused though because I have NEVER seen a security guard in shoppers not wearing a uniform.
This So Called Security Guard should #NeverBeAllowedToWorkSecurity #AnywhereEverAgain Not Just for Loblaws or Shoppers #AssaultOfAMinor #SueThisSecurityGuard #MakeTheSecurityGuardsNamePublic
First off you need to relax the guard was doing his job. If that’s the issue then we have no issue. There was a crime reported and the guard acted the way he was trained.
Seriously teenager can file a lawsuit against both security company and loblaw.
i agree trina, I think he should be charging the security guard with assault, he had no right to lay hands on him let alone slam him down. i worked for Loblaws for 9 years and they always encouraged the “hands off” policy. we didn’t always listen though and stopped a lot of goods from heading out the door. thankfully no one was ever hurt.