Officers Hurt In Struggle With Walmart Shoplifter: Police

Two police officers were injured when confronting a man who stole items from Walmart in Westbury on Monday, police say.

According to authorities, officers responded to the 1220 Old Country Road location at 2:52 p.m. to learn a man attempted to remove assorted merchandise from the store without paying. Officers confronted Clifford Gavin, 46, of Queens, who was seen fleeing the store, police say.

Gavin allegedly refused to comply with the officer's commands and a struggle ensued. Two officers were injured in the struggle; one suffered injuries to her right hand and wrist while the other suffered an injury to his right arm. They were treated at a local hospital and released.

Gavin was subdued, placed under arrest and taken to a hospital for medical treatment. He was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, fourth-degree grand larceny, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He will be arraigned when medically practical.

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