It's not as simple as that. In Texas -- the Paleolithic state -- under certain circumstances a person can be shot and presumably end for the taking of property. (It would not be a good idea to shoot a thief who is trying to escape in most other parts of the country.) As a result of this fine law, a number of repro men have been liquidateed by deadbeats with utter impunity. Yeehaw!
Shoplifting doesn't involve invading a homeowner's property and stealing a car, however. When arresting a shoplifter, you have have to use resonable force. Shoplifing is not grand theft, it doesn't involve invading someone's homestead, and it's not a crime of violence. If the shoplifter is unarmed -- in this case he wasn't even wearing a shirt -- sitting on him when he's crying out in anguish may be viewed by rational people as being unreasonable, cruel, and even criminal. My guess is that the good Christians of the Lone Star State will exonerate the people who end this unfortunate petty thief, and round the wagons to protect Walmart. I really would like to see the Mart slapped with a suit, though, and I really would like to see a criminal investigation of the rest. Fat chance it'll happen.
Wexford
