Personal Injury Law

Shoplifter at Little Village CVS Store Dies From Employee?s Chokehold

A 35-year-old man who was shoplifting at a Little Village CVS on Saturday morning has died. Anthony Kyser was strangled by a store employee who was trying to restrain him. The unemployed barber had just run out of the store after stealing tubes of toothpaste when he was apprehended by the CVS worker and held in a chokehold.

According to witnesses, the worker held Kyser in this manner for what seemed like several minutes, even as he cried out that he couldn?t breathe. Three other men were also restraining him. An off-duty correctional officer reportedly was at the scene. There have been conflicting reports on whether she drew her weapon or tried to get the people apprehending Kyser to loosen their hold on him.

The medical examiner has ruled Kyser's death a homicide. However, Chicago police don?t intend to file criminal charges against the worker who strangled Kyser. They say the death was accidental.

Kyser?s family is upset that the employee won?t be held accountable in criminal court for strangling their loved one, who was pronounced dead after arriving at Mount Sinai Hospital. They are saying that Kyser was murdered.

During the first four months of this year, there have been 15 reported thefts in the block of South Pulaski where this particular CVS is located. Witnesses say that they have seen other CVS workers tackle shoplifters in the past.

Chicago Wrongful Death
Even if your loved one?s death was accidental, you still may be able to pursue a civil complaint against the responsible party for any negligent actions that contributed to your family member?s passing. Excessive use of force, inadequate training, inadequate security, hazardous conditions, recklessness, and failure to fulfill a duty of care are just some of the reasons why someone might sue a responsible party for the Chicago wrongful death of a relative.

Shoplifter dies from worker's chokehold, Chicago Sun-Times, May 10, 2010

Shoplifter Dies From Worker's Chokehold, Cops Say There Won't Be Charges, The Huffington Post, May 10, 2010

Related Web Resources:
A Reflection on Shoplifting Apprehension Policies, Shoplifting.com

CVS/Pharmacy

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on May 11, 2010 (boomark / email).