Dramatic footage captured the moment a Target shoplifter was caught by police after stealing a TV, only to come back to steal another.
Seth Berman, 34, was caught stealing a television from a Target in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday. Police believe he was under the influence of drugs at the time.
Store employees stopped a police officer after Berman’s brazen return after the initial theft. The police officer was waiting outside with security and approached the man as he exited the store with the second 65-inch LG TV.
Bodycam footage shows the officer sprinting after Berman with his taser out and attacking him in the parking lot.
Berman was charged with aggravated shoplifting and aggravated disability and is currently being treated at Grady Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
Berman had been trying to steal a second TV when he was caught
In the footage, the officer can be seen standing outside the Target store and approaching Berman, who is trying to walk with a large television.
With his taser already out, Berman turns and flees back into the store before making his way back out the other exit.
The officer, still clutching his taser, manages to pin Berman to the ground after dramatically lunging at the man in the parking lot.
Berman starts struggling and yells, ‘I didn’t do anything.’ Please stop, man, I don’t want to fucking go to jail.’
Dashcam footage from the arresting officers’ car shows the two arguing on the ground outside the store.
After two minutes, reinforcements arrive on site to support the officers in the arrest.
The video then cuts back to the bodycam footage, and Berman can be heard screaming, “Please stop man, I have to go to the hospital” before screaming in pain.
Arresting officer Jean Jonasaint is said to have suffered only minor injuries in the altercation.
In the police report, medical staff at Grady Memorial Hospital told police that Berman may have had an increased heart rate from taking drugs.
Officers also noted in the report that Berman was sweating profusely and had abrasions on his arms from being on the concrete.
In a receipt provided to police by Target, Berman allegedly attempted to steal two 65-inch LG televisions and other items.
The items totaled $1288.90, and police said Berman will be transported to the Dekalb County Jail upon release from the hospital.
The arresting officer is said to have suffered only minor injuries in the altercation
Berman was charged with shoplifting and obstruction after the incident
In a statement, the City of Atlanta Police Department said, “At approximately 5:30 p.m. on August 7, 2023, an Atlanta police officer was on his way to make a call when he was pulled over by Target security in front of the Caroline Street Target.”
“The security guard told a suspect he had stolen a TV from the store and returned moments later to take another.
“The officer was waiting outside with the security guard and approached the man as he left with the second TV.
“When the suspect saw the officer, he ran away.” The officer gave chase and caught the man just outside the store.
Berman fought off the arresting officer for several minutes until reinforcements arrived
“The suspect struggled with the officer for several minutes until reinforcements arrived and he was taken into custody.”
“The officer and the suspect sustained minor scratches during the altercation.
“This is a great example of how quickly things can change for our officers and how important it is that our officers are prepared for anything that might happen to them during their shift.”
“The officer’s training has begun and he has remained calm and in control, despite the suspect’s repeated attempts to subdue him during the fight.”