Black Men Sue Walmart After Being Wrongly Arrested While Trying To Return A TV

In September 2020, 55-year-old Dennis Stewart and 53-year-old Terence Richardson were trying to return a defective television to the Conroe, Texas store. Stewart showed his valid receipt for the TV to an unidentified white employee working the customer service desk. However, the Walmart worker did not believe that the men purchased the device and insisted they stole it. The employee called the police, who dispatched officers to the scene.

Once authorities arrive, they quickly detained both men as Stewert demanded answers. Deputies eventually released the men, but managers at Walmart still required them to sign documents stating that they’d never return to the store. The managers also refused to honor the return, despite the television not working. Stewert, a former police officer, purchased the TV last year for $301. Richardson, a pastor, was helping his friend transport the faulty machine back to the store.

“Now, Walmart has created a false record implying Plaintiffs are thieves and unwelcomed customers,” read the lawsuit filed Thursday in the Southern District of Texas.

On Friday, a Walmart spokesperson revealed they’d investigated the incident in April of this year but would not elaborate on their findings.

“We do not tolerate discrimination and take allegations like this seriously,” the retailer stated.

Stewart and Richardson are suing Walmart for intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence, and breach of contract.