Stark County Man's Competency Hearing Set After Attempted Shooting of Officer at Walmart

Shane Newman, accused of trying to shoot a Canton police officer at a Walmart in December 2025, faces a competency hearing on June 11. Newman pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Competency Hearing Scheduled for Plain Township Man Who Allegedly Tried to Shoot Officer

A Plain Township man charged with the attempted murder of a Canton police officer inside a Stark County Walmart is due in court Wednesday for a competency hearing, cleveland19.com reports.

Shane Newman, who in March pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, faces charges including attempted murder, felonious assault, robbery, having weapons while under disability, carrying concealed weapons, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of drugs, and obstructing official business.

Following his plea, Newman was evaluated by the Psycho-Diagnostic Clinic to assess his competency. A hearing has been scheduled for June 11.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. on 18 December 2025, when a Canton police officer responded to the Walmart on Atlantic Boulevard NE after reports of suspected shoplifting. Inside the store's loss prevention office, Newman — who was with a woman identified as Katerina Jeffrey — drew a handgun and attempted to fire it at the officer's head. The weapon did not discharge.

A Walmart asset protection associate tackled Newman before he could make another attempt. The officer then brought Newman to the floor and placed him under arrest. Body camera footage from the officer shows him explaining that he chose not to fire his own weapon for fear of striking the Walmart employee who was on top of Newman.

Court records indicate Newman was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction. Following his arrest, officers recovered 50 blue pills identified as MDMA, according to the same records.

Jeffrey, of Canton, was not indicted on a felony charge. On 18 February, she pleaded no contest to misdemeanor theft in Canton Municipal Court and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. With time served and suspended time factored in, she had 22 days remaining to serve.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)