Walmart Former Employee Reportedly Causes Issues Prompting Police Response

Walmart Former Employee Reportedly Causes Issues Prompting Police Response

MASON, West Virginia – Law enforcement responded to an incident at the Mason Walmart which had the store closed for a while during the morning of March 7 until the scene was secured.

According to Mason Police Chief Colton McKinney, Patrolman A. Toler responded to an active destruction of property and potential threat complaints at Mason Walmart. Chief McKinney said that a former employee was a potential threat and there was destruction of property.

Additionally, Chief McKinney, New haven Police Department, Mason Country Sherrif Department and Point Pleasant Police Department responded to the scene. Mason County 911 also had Mason EMS on standby had it their services been needed.

Patrolman Toler arrived on scene and apprehended the suspect later identified as Zachary Warnecke of Ohio. Mason Walmart was evacuated until the officers on the scene secured the facility in which was later released due to no immediate potential threat present. Chief McKinney said everyone worked together and that the employees at Walmart did exactly what they needed to in the situation.

Warnecke was arrested and charged with the intent to commit a felony in addition to another charge felony charge. Warnecke was transported with Lakin Correctional Facility where he awaits arraignment.

Mason Police Department would like to thank the assisting agencies and also Mason Walmart staff.

“The agency’s response time was fantastic. The Walmart staff reacted phenomenally to the situation. No one was injured nor hurt and the potential threat was apprehended swiftly,” stated Chief McKinney.

Walmart has since reopened.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven in a court of law.