JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nearly a week after a fatal incident at a beauty supply store in East Arlington, the owner of a nearby market is speaking out about the importance of safety when dealing with shoplifters.
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Haleah Putz, the owner of Myra Asian Market, told Action News Jax that although she has witnessed several thefts at her own business, she never imagined a situation could escalate the way it did at her neighbor’s store, Beauty Max.
The tragic event unfolded last week at Beauty Max, a beauty supply store located on Atlantic Boulevard. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, two individuals grabbed several items from the store and fled. In a desperate attempt to stop them, the owner chased after the suspects.
However, the situation took a devastating turn when the suspects ran the owner over with their vehicle as they fled the scene. The owner was rushed to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Putz, who knew the victim personally, spoke to the victim’s husband and learned more about the woman’s life and background. The victim was not only the owner of Beauty Max but also a mother and wife. She leaves behind two children and a husband.
According to Putz, the victim’s husband explained that shoplifters had been a recurring problem at their store, but this time, the victim had finally had enough and decided to take action by chasing after the suspects.
“Normally, they do not chase after them,” Putz said. “This time, I think she was just having a bad day, and she chased after them, and it was fatal.”
Putz, who runs Myra Asian Market, emphasized that no material possessions are worth putting your life in danger. Reflecting on her store’s policy on dealing with shoplifters, she explained that she and her staff have a strict approach to safety.
“Our policy is basically: nothing is worth it,” Putz said. “We ask them to wait, and we have an alarm that we set off for the police to come, but if they take off, they take off. We don’t chase after them.”
The emotional toll of the incident has weighed heavily on Putz, especially with the holiday season approaching.
“Your life is more valuable than anything,” Putz said. “Anything the store has, combined—it’s just not worth it. Now there are two daughters without a mother, a husband without a wife this Christmas.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident. As of now, there have been no arrests or leads in the case. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
For those with tips or information regarding the case, you can contact the JSO at (904) 630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
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