A Linton man is facing multiple charges, including theft and sexual battery, following a chaotic series of events at Walmart on June 29.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Linton Police Chief Paul Clark, officers were dispatched to the store after receiving a report of a man yelling and acting erratically in the clothing department, possibly attempting to shoplift. The suspect, later identified as John Joseph Lewis, 27, had fled the scene before officers arrived.

A Walmart Asset Protection Associate reported that Lewis had exited the store with stolen merchandise and entered a vehicle driven by a woman. The vehicle was spotted a short time later parked outside a residence on Camelot Court. Officers found Lewis outside eating popcorn chicken, which was later determined to have been taken from Walmart without payment.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Lewis initially denied being at the store and claimed the food was from a local gas station, but officers noted his slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. During a search, officers found mini bottles of Fireball whiskey in his pocket. He was detained and taken to the Greene County Jail.

A female alleged she was in the car waiting for Lewis and drove off when he told her to “go.” Surveillance and witness accounts indicated the vehicle struck a shopping cart and narrowly avoided hitting pedestrians during the escape.

As the investigation continued, an asset protection associate confirmed several items had been stolen, including a pair of shoes, jeans, a John Deere hat, and shoe inserts—some of which were found in Lewis’s possession or in the couple’s vehicle. A belt Lewis was wearing also matched one believed to be stolen.

While en route to the jail, Lewis told officers he had concealed additional merchandise in his pants. Jail staff later recovered shoe insoles hidden in his clothing.

The case escalated further when a Walmart employee reported that Lewis had sexually assaulted her while inside the store. According to the affidavit, she stated that Lewis approached her and made an inappropriate comment before grabbing her breast and buttocks without consent. A witness reportedly saw the incident and contacted police.

Surveillance footage corroborated several aspects of the investigation, including the theft and the confrontation in the parking lot. Two Walmart employees and bystanders attempted to intervene as the vehicle fled the scene. One of them was reportedly shoved by Lewis during the encounter.

In addition to the items taken by Lewis, surveillance revealed that female driver of the car also exited the store with prepackaged lunch meat, a drink, and popcorn chicken without paying.

Charges against Lewis include theft, sexual battery, and public intoxication.

His bond was set at $8,000 surety with 10% cash allowed.

He’s scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on July 2.