Target fires security guard who turned in a shoplifter

A Target security guard in Leesburg, Va., is out of a job because he reported a shoplifter to the police.

The Washington Post says Dallas Northington saw the shoplifter twice on video and says he responded the way he always does; he contacted the Leesburg police.

Northington, 29 and a father of two with one on the way, says Target told him he didn’t fill out the proper paperwork before calling the police. And the man who was the suspect, and who may have been a sheriff’s deputy according to the Post, wasn’t charged even though Northington provided his name and two color videos of the theft.

“I’m confused and don’t understand why,” Northington said. “I’ve been there for eight years, no issues. I’m just trying to provide for my family, and I just really want to get back to work.”

A corporate spokesperson said privacy issues prevent her from discussing details of the situation but said the company doesn’t believe Northington’s claim.

“In my eight years, I’ve never had to call anyone to give out the video or to call police,” Northington said. “I have never seen any policy about contacting law enforcement.”

The police said there might be extenuating circumstances to explain why it’s taking so long to charge the alleged shoplifter.