Store Security Officer Stops Breathing While Shoplifter Apprehended

A Sears security officer who lost consciousness, stopped breathing and had no pulse, while police were apprehending a shoplifting suspect, is currently hospitalized.

The unidentified 50-year-old security guard lost consciousness at the same time that Clarkstown Police were arresting a 16-year-old suspect outside the Sears store in Nanuet on Thursday evening. Police administered CPR and used an AED until Rockland Paramedics and Nanuet Ambulance Corps arrived. The security officer was revived and taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was admitted to the Critical Care Unit. The cause of the security officer’s medical emergency was not known.

Sgt. Joanne Fratianni said the male teenager from Spring Valley allegedly stole a pair of shoes and bottle of cologne worth $65. According to police, the suspect fled the store and ran a short distance before trying to hide.  Police arrested him without incident.  

The teenager, who is eligible for youthful offender status, was charged with misdemeanor petty larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.