Travonsha Ferguson, shown in a photo from a news conference via WKRN News 2/YouTube, was shot at a Walgreens store in Nashville, Tennessee in 2023.
According to a new lawsuit, an armed Walgreens employee shot a pregnant woman he suspected of theft seven times during a confrontation in a parking lot. This led to an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby prematurely and caused permanent damage.
On April 12, 2023, Travonsha L. Ferguson, 25, was shot at the Walgreens store at 2500 Gallatin Road in Nashville.
The shooting occurred when the employee, who did not identify himself, aggressively confronted and cursed at Ferguson and her friend regarding the alleged stolen merchandise. In response, Ferguson sprayed the employee with mace out of fear for her safety and that of the baby. According to court documents obtained by HuffPost, the shooting led to an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby prematurely. The now 11-month-old baby has a heart defect, and his mother requires the use of a colostomy bag, the court documents stated..
The termination of the employee who shot her followed the incident. He was not charged with a crime as he claimed self-defense, stating that he did not know if Ferguson and her friend were armed and feared for his safety.
The incident was not charged as a crime, as the employee claimed self-defense. He was terminated, however. It was reported by police in a news release. Ferguson's attorney, L. Chris Stewart, expressed disbelief that the employee could shoot accurately seven times after being maced, as stated in a news conference reported by a local CBS affiliate..
Police stated that the shooting occurred after an employee informed the store team leader about two females stealing items. The team leader began recording the women on his cellphone and followed them outside as they left without paying for the merchandise. WTVF The team leader indicated he fired his semi-automatic pistol after one of the women sprayed him with mace as they were loading items into the trunk of a car, according to authorities.
Following the shooting, the women left the scene, and the employee called 911.
The companion of Ferguson dropped her off at a hospital and drove away, officials stated.
Ferguson faced charges of assault and theft of $1,000 or less, as per court records. Her attorney declined to comment on the charges, as reported by a local ABC affiliate.
Regardless of the shoplifting accusation, it was asserted that following the women to the parking lot and shooting was negligent and against policy, provided the employee had been properly trained. Walgreens was demanded to be held accountable, as stated by a local NBC affiliate.
Stewart said Ms. Ferguson didn't deserve to be shot so many times. A witness even said it sounded like the whole magazine was emptied. WKRN-TV.
Shantanica Ferguson expressed that her daughter didn't deserve this. WSMV reported.
She said, “It’s been a long ride, and it’s not fair. She deserves justice.” WTVF reported.
Walgreens did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Law&Crime, but in a
after the shooting, the company said, “The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated at our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.”
A lawsuit claims that an armed Walgreens employee shot a pregnant woman he suspected of shoplifting seven times in a parking lot confrontation last year, leading to an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby and causing permanent damage. statement after the shooting, the company said, “The safety of our patients, customers and team members is our top priority, and violence of any kind will not be tolerated at our stores. We take this matter seriously and are cooperating with local authorities.”