The crime scene at Best Buy in Broomfield, Colo. (August 1, 2009)
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BROOMFIELD, Colo. - Jared Bergstreser and Colin Trapp lost their income and lost their jobs, but to hear them tell it, they wouldn't change a thing.
Bergstreser. 20, and Trapp, 23, worked in the Asset Protection department at the Broomfield Best Buy.
On August 1st, the pair spotted an alleged shoplifter. They decided he wouldn't get away without a struggle.
Bergstreser says he spotted the suspect snatching a cell phone, perhaps two. He went to tackle the man outside the front entrance. Trapp went to help. A manager also went outside to help.
As Bergstreser tackled the suspect the man pulled out a knife and cut the manager. She suffered minor injuries. Bergstreser and Trapp decided that it was time to let the suspect go.
He still has not been caught.
Over the weekend, Bergstreser and Trapp were fired due to Best Buy's "No Touch" policy.
Bergstreser says he understands the decision and wouldn't change a thing. Trapp is a little disillusioned by the decision and is not sure if he will fight it. The manager who came out to help was not terminated.
Best Buy's Public Relations released the following statement on the incident:
"Employees who work in our stores are aware, and trained, on the standard operating procedures for dealing with shoplifters or theft - which includes ceasing pursuit or a suspected shoplifter once they exit the store. These procedures are in place first and foremost for the safety of our employees. In circumstances like these, we must cooperate with local authorities."
Bergstreser. 20, and Trapp, 23, worked in the Asset Protection department at the Broomfield Best Buy.
On August 1st, the pair spotted an alleged shoplifter. They decided he wouldn't get away without a struggle.
Bergstreser says he spotted the suspect snatching a cell phone, perhaps two. He went to tackle the man outside the front entrance. Trapp went to help. A manager also went outside to help.
As Bergstreser tackled the suspect the man pulled out a knife and cut the manager. She suffered minor injuries. Bergstreser and Trapp decided that it was time to let the suspect go.
He still has not been caught.
Over the weekend, Bergstreser and Trapp were fired due to Best Buy's "No Touch" policy.
Bergstreser says he understands the decision and wouldn't change a thing. Trapp is a little disillusioned by the decision and is not sure if he will fight it. The manager who came out to help was not terminated.
Best Buy's Public Relations released the following statement on the incident:
"Employees who work in our stores are aware, and trained, on the standard operating procedures for dealing with shoplifters or theft - which includes ceasing pursuit or a suspected shoplifter once they exit the store. These procedures are in place first and foremost for the safety of our employees. In circumstances like these, we must cooperate with local authorities."
