Security guard shot during shoplifting incident

MARGATE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A family is in agony after their loved one, a security officer, was shot and killed over two packs of undershirts.

"He was the best father there was," said the victim's son Christian John. "You know, for a guy to kill him over shirts is ridiculous."

He is still in shock as he goes through childhood pictures of him and his father. Luis John was shot and killed while detaining a shoplifter at a Margate Walmart Friday night. "He was planning his 50th birthday in February. He was really hyped, he wanted to have a big party."

John was a retired New York City corrections officer. He moved to Florida with his wife and began working as a Loss Prevention Specialist at a Walmart a few years back. "He's regarded as an excellent employee," said Margate Police Lieutenant Andy Zettek.

That Friday work called him in. The 49-year-old had just phoned his son Christian, who still lives in New York. "He called to tell me that he loves me and he misses me," said Christian. But he would never see his father alive again.

The suspect, identified as Terrell Johnson, was caught stealing $16 undershirts, according to police.

John stopped the 22-year-old before he could walk out. But Johnson, who had been arrested before, was armed. "I was told he was shot in the heart," said Christian.

"The suspect was being detained for taking two packets of undershirts," said Zettek, who added that the alleged shoplifter would commit suicide soon after. "He then fled on foot, and we located him and found that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

"I don't think my dad deserved to die," said Christian. "I love him a lot, and I miss him every day."

Cameras at the Walmart were able to record an accomplice who dropped off the suspect in the parking lot. Police have questioned the woman and there could possibly be more arrests in this case.

Luis John's family is now planning his funeral.

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