Police: Walmart shoplifter used scooter, walker in getaway

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Milton police say a shoplifter got violent with store employees and is now facing serious charges.

Police say Michael Durkin drove through a Walmart on a motorized scooter stealing several items, and then tried to escape on his walker, but not before pulling a knife on store employees.

Shoppers at the Milton store on Windward Parkway were surprised to hear what police say happened the day before Thanksgiving.

Police say the 56-year-old suspect rode through the store on his scooter picking and choosing items without paying. He then rode right past the register without paying, police said.

"When they were trying to detain him, the shoplifter brandished a knife and told the loss prevention officer to get out of his way or he was going to cut him," said Milton Police Capt. Shawn McCarty.

Police say the security officer continued to follow Durkin up the street, waiting for officers to arrive.

“When he was in the store shoplifting he was in a motorized cart, and when he got ready to leave he had a walker with him, and that's what he was using when he tried to get away,” McCarty said.

"Maybe we should have gotten him one of the little scooters. He could have gotten away faster," shopper Kim Sartore said.

Shopper Christina McManus believes Durkin likely needs help.

“I think we probably have some social services in place with our local government that they need to sit down with him and figure out what his problem is," McManus said.

Durkin is facing shoplifting and aggravated assault charges.

He remains in the Fulton County jail.

WSBTV