Armed Tucson grandmother confronts alleged shoplifter, video goes viral

In early August, a grandmother armed with a handgun confronted a man she believed was shoplifting outside a Ross Dress for Less in Tucson, Arizona. The suspect was seen exiting the store with several suitcases, backpacks and purses, prompting the woman to point the weapon at him as he crossed the parking lot. Despite the store alarm and the gun being displayed, the man kept walking and even engaged in a casual conversation with the woman before they each left the scene.

Tucson police have opened a shoplifting case, using the viral video as evidence, but have not located the suspect and no arrests have been made. Criminal-defense attorney Louis Fidel explained that while some statutes allow firearm display to prevent certain crimes, shoplifting is not among them, and the act could result in an aggravated-assault charge. The footage sparked a wave of online commentary, with users dubbing the woman “Based Grandma” and calling for her to be hired by the retailer.