By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

LOWE’S Pharmacy has denounced the beating of an alleged thief by an “independent security contractor” at its southwest store.

The incident was recorded and posted on a popular Facebook page on Tuesday night, generating over 30,000 views up to press time. The video shows a man identified by the company as a security contractor striking an alleged thief several times with a PVC pipe while bystanders watch and, at times, laugh.

The incident is among several apparent examples of vigilante justice that has gone viral in recent days. The video appeared to be recorded in the store’s warehouse.

At points, the alleged thief, who appeared to be middle aged, is struck in his face with the pipe and appears to experience breathing difficulties, prompting bystanders to say “he having an asthma attack”.

This prompted the security guard to ask for a cup of water for the man. However, the security officer can be seen throwing the cup of water on the man instead and striking him in his face again.

Throughout the video, the security officer said the man had been “caught stealing” before and suggested the company file charges against him.

In a statement posed on its Facebook page, Lowe’s Pharmacy called the incident “unfortunate.”

“Lowe’s Pharmacy is committed to maintaining our core values as we strive to deliver the best service experience possible to our customers,” the statement said.

“A very unfortunate incident occurred last night (Tuesday) between an independent security contractor and an alleged thief inside our Lowe’s Southwest Pharmacy. It is with sincere disappointment that the management of Lowe’s watched the video that went viral on social media last night.

“We take this opportunity to affirm that it is our policy to turn over to the security or the police any person caught stealing.”

“We apologise for this unfortunate incident and commit to further enforcement of our policies and procedures.”

It is unclear if police will investigate the matter.

When contacted about the video, officer in charge of the Central Detective Unit Chief Superintendent Paul Rolle said he had no comment.