A customer at a Florida Walmart was fatally shot by an off-duty employee on Tuesday, May 2 after trying to help break up a fight between the employee and a female colleague.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Tironie Sterling, 22, charging him with first-degree murder following the shooting at a Fort Lauderdale Walmart.
According to investigators, Sterling entered the store to meet with a female colleague, but their encounter escalated into an argument and eventually turned physical. During the altercation, Sterling dropped a handgun onto the floor and attempted to steal the female employee’s mobile phone.
A male customer, later identified as 41-year-old Thierry Bastien, came to the aid of the female employee in response to the situation. However, Sterling retrieved his gun and fired multiple shots at Bastien, resulting in his death.
The shooting caused widespread panic among customers inside the store, with workers and shoppers fleeing the scene and seeking safety outside. Responding officers from the Sheriff’s office and the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue found Bastien with multiple gunshot wounds and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Sterling managed to flee the store initially but was apprehended by law enforcement several hours later.
Walmart spokesman Charles Crowson confirmed that the company had suspended Sterling from his position and is taking steps to terminate his employment.
Authorities charged Sterling with first-degree murder and armed robbery. He is being held without bond at the Central Broward County jail.
