Report: Man Accused of Shoplifting Hit Loss Prevention Officer in Head

Police arrested a 25-year-old man who they say hit a Walmart loss prevention officer in the head with a cell phone when the officer confronted him about shoplifting, according to a Lexington Police Department report. 

Joshua Lee Kelly is charged with second-degree assault and battery and shoplifting. 

The loss prevention officer at the Walmart on Sunset Boulevard told Lexington police that Kelly tried to steal two push lawnmowers from the store around 11 a.m. Tuesday, according to the report.

When the officer confronted Kelly and asked him to come back inside the store, Kelly pulled away and hit the officer on the left side of his head with a cell phone, according to the report.

Lexington police say Kelly had two multi-tools, a box cutter, a knife and a small pair of wire cutters. Kelly told officers he brought the tools beause he was planning to steal computers, according to the report. 

Kelly was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center and is being held on a bond of $14,940.