patching...
Update: Fashion Gurus Wanted to Blog on Cartersville Patch - Click Here for Details »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Syringe Evidence Yields No Clues

Bartow County Sheriff's Office authorities are asking for the public's assistance in determining who hid needles in Walmart clothing.

 

Syringes sent for forensic testing and days of surveillance video have revealed no information about the person or persons responsible for hiding a total of nine syringes in Walmart apparel.

Sheriff Clark Millsap said in a press release investigators again are turning to the public for help.

"Results from the GBI crime lab have been received from three syringes, and the results are negative," authorities said in the release. "These three syringes were submitted to be tested for fingerprint evidence and according to these results, no identifiable prints were able to be recovered."

While seven syringes, two of which pricked customers, were found hidden in the store's clothing during the weekend following Black Friday and shortly thereafter, two additional needles were discovered last week by customers.

"There has been no evidence uncovered from the video surveillance systems that can assist in investigation to this point," sheriff's officials added.

Meanwhile, Walmart spokesman Dianna Gee said the company is still committed "to getting to the bottom of this," but Gee did not address a question about additional measures the Cartersville store is taking to ensure the safety of its customers.

"Whoever is doing this is just plain wrong. They should seriously be ashamed of themselves," Gee said. "We're continuing to partner with law enforcement to catch whoever is responsible for this senseless act. We're confident our surveillance cameras will identify the person."

Neither of the two customers involved in syringe finds Thursday and Friday were pricked, but customers were injured when the first couple of needles were found in the store's clothing. Back on Dec. 5, investigators asked for the public's help after authorities reported the first seven hidden syringes found by customers and employees.

One of the two people pricked by the needles spoke out early in the investigation, referencing concern for her health.

Citing "no identifiers available to aid in the investigations," Millsap said detectives need a tip from anyone who may have helpful information.

Those with any clues as to the identity of the people responsible for hiding syringes in Walmart clothing are asked to contact the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 770-382-5050, extensions 6029 or 6030.

Anonymous reports are accepted via the Cartersville-Bartow County Crime Stoppers tip line at 770-606-TIPS (8477).

Millsap added Crime Stoppers would pay a cash reward to tipsters providing information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Related Topics: Bartow Sheriff, Business, Crime, Walmart, and bartow county sheriff's office
Is it a disgruntled employee, angry customer or someone else? Are the persons responsible for hiding needles getting some type of thrill or trying to get revenge? Tell us in the comments.

Patch_comments_icon

Brande Poulnot

3:19 pm on Monday, December 19, 2011

This case reminds me of the Chicago Tylenol murders in the early 1980s. While clearly those were just horrible—seven people died—it seems like the same type of crime, and I don't get what the payoff is for people who are doing this type of thing. And they never arrested anyone for all those poisonings via Extra Strength Tylenol. I hope Walmart and BCSO can put a stop to this, especially with all the technology we have now days. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Tylenol_murders

Reply

Screen Wiz

4:09 pm on Monday, December 19, 2011

I agree Brande, it kinda makes me worry that my wife may get poked by something when she is at work there.
I can't see any kind of payoff either other than mabye effecting Walmart's sales or something like that!
I'm with ya...I hope the sheriffs office solves this soon!
Thanks for your time on patch Brande...I'm a daily reader
Jon L

Reply
Patch_comments_icon

Brande Poulnot

6:39 pm on Monday, December 19, 2011

Thanks Jon! I appreciate the kind words. Some of the Walmart employees I've talked to say management has not communicated much with them on this issue. Has your wife heard much about it at work? I would think all the employees would be instructed to be extra vigilant because it will probably take everyone being super vigilant (or a good tip called in) to resolve this case.

Reply

Bill Thrasher

10:16 am on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

you know Brande, I think that management has been knocked stiff by this whole ordeal. I doubt they know what to do, other than buck it up the chain to higher authority in Arkansas. Pray that things of this nature do not go viral

Reply

Lynn Hubbard

9:45 pm on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Brande, Do you know if these are new or used needles? It sounds like someone looking for attention. Very sad indeed.

Reply

Bill Thrasher

6:42 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Lynn. somehow I doubt that the one(s) who did this are seeking attention. I think that they are wanting to focus **negative attention** on Walmart. I just hope that somebody tells on them. And now that I think of it a bit more, may they have sought attention by bragging about it, even if just a little. Merry Christmas

Reply

Leave a comment