Shoplifting Suspect Accused Of Assaulting Walmart Manager

The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said James Barton, 30, of Corbin, reportedly assaulted a manager in a Walmart near Corbin after the store’s loss prevention team detained him for allegedly shoplifting.

Investigators said Barton reportedly tried to steal headlight bulbs and spark plugs, but was stopped by security.

The Sheriff’s Office said Barton became violent toward the loss prevention team and pinned a female store manager against a wall and fought her while trying to escape.

Sheriff’s deputies took him into custody after arriving at the store.

Investigators said Barton was charged with theft by unlawful taking, shoplifting and assault 4th degree.

He was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.