Two arrested in connection with shoplifting incident at Walmart

STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012, 9 a.m.  — Two people were arrested and two Bardstown Police officers were injured Tuesday afternoon when an incident that began as shoplifting investigation turned violent.

According to police, Michael L. Swift, 23, of Bardstown, and Christina Barnsfather, 29, of Boston, were detained by Walmart loss prevention officers after allegedly trying to leave the store with stolen property. Bardstown Police officers Tim Simpson and Jason Woodson arrived just before 4 p.m. Tuesday and told the pair they were under arrest. Swift attempted to flee from officers, who then attempted to stop Swift from leaving. As Swift continued to struggle with officers, the three fell across Barnsfather, who was in a chair at the time.

Officers tasered Swift numerous times in order to subdue him and place him under arrest. Nelson County EMS was called to the scene for injuries both officers sustained to their hands in the altercation with Swift. Barnsfather was also transported to Flaget Memorial Hospital complaining of left side chest pain.

Swift was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, theft by unlawful taking; fleeing or evading police, first-degree; assault, third-degree, police officer; escape, second-degree; and fourth-degree assault. He was lodged in the Nelson County Jail.

Following her release from the hospital Barnsfather was arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking; criminal trespass; possession of a controlled substance, second-degree; tampering with physical evidence; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers Simpson and Woodson were treated for their injuries and released from Flaget.

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