An 83-year-old man from Hillsborough, North Carolina, died after being shoved to the ground by a shoplifter. The suspect is still being sought by police.
“The employee died yesterday, Dec. 1, due to complications from the injuries received,” police reported on Friday. “The North Carolina medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.”
In a surveillance video taken on Oct. 18, a man began leaving the Home Depot with a shopping cart. There were three pressure washers inside, according to the police. A worker, identified only as Rasor, tried to reach the suspect, but he was shoved to the ground by the suspect.
Rasor, often referred to as Mr. Gary at the store, suffered several fractures and was unable to walk again, according to WRAL. The 83-year-old celebrated his birthday in the hospital.
“Everyone loves him, he’s an outstanding individual,” said police Major Andy Simmons previously. “And then somebody does something like this to him just to commit a larceny, it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
“This is 100 percent planned and to include violence for a couple of power washers,” Jeff Rasor, Gary’s son, said. “It’s almost beyond comprehension. I’m not gonna stop. We’re gonna keep looking and someday they’re gonna make a mistake and that day will be a good day.”
According to police, the suspect is black and stands about 6 feet tall. He fled in a white, four-door Hyundai Sonata. The license plate was obscured, but the officers did confirm it was a temporary tag from North Carolina.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Hillsborough Investigator Andrew Jones by email or at 919-296-9562,” authorities said.