Alleged Wal-Mart shoplifter dies after scuffle with store cops

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dunwoody Police are investigating the death Saturday of an alleged shoplifter after he was forcibly apprehended by Wal-Mart loss prevention officers.

Marty Bridges, 38, was attempting to flee the store, at 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., when the officers grabbed him, Dunwoody Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Carlson said. Another shopper intervened and a slight altercation ensued.

"It was basically a big pile-up," he said. "They had him pinned on the ground to keep him from running."

When police arrived around 1 p.m., two bystanders were administering CPR, but they were unable to save Bridges. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Northside Hospital.

It's unclear what Bridges allegedly tried to steal, but Carlson said the amount of the item or items was less than $300, and would have amounted to a misdemeanor were he tried and convicted of shop lifting.

Wal-Mart employees were able to recover the item or items, police said.

It doesn't appear that any undue force was used on the suspect, Carlson said. An autopsy is underway.

Return to AJC.com for updates.

-- Staff reporter Marcus K. Garner contributed to this story.