Injured Walmart Greeter Undergoes Surgery

February 7, 2013 9:33 PM

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

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UNION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — If you’ve shopped at Walmart, it’s more than likely someone has greeted you at the door with a smile.

That’s what 72-year-old Jack Hamill did at the store in Union Township, Lawrence County.

But on Wednesday afternoon, police say 19-year-old Jordan McMullen pushed the 72-year-old to ground after stealing $200 worth of window decal stickers.

When McMullen began fighting with store workers, Hamill went over to help. Police say that’s when McMullen slammed Hamill down to the ground.

The 72-year-old suffered a fractured hip and underwent surgery Thursday at Jamison Hospital.

Before McMullen was arrested, authorities say he took off in his car leading police on a high-speed chase for about 15 minutes. Police say during the chase he rammed a police cruiser, lost control of his car and hit a tree.

When asked about what happened to the Walmart greeter, McMullen said: “I apologize for what has occurred and pray for his recovery.”

Shoppers who knew Hamill are outraged, one telling KDKA’s Brenda Waters: “I just think it’s terrible that we can’t go to Walmart without someone pulling out a knife or gun or pushing you.”

Police believe this is McMullen’s first retail theft. Despite that, he faces a lot of charges.