Walmart Disturbance in Waukegan Ends With FBI Agents Helping Detain Suspect After Off-Duty Officer Attacked

A chaotic disturbance inside Walmart Supercenter escalated into a violent confrontation after an off-duty police officer working security was allegedly attacked by a suspect accused of harassing a female customer.

According to information obtained by WSRL Pulse Radio 96.1, the incident happened April 21 at the Waukegan Walmart. Authorities say 18-year-old Esteban Martinez-Cruz of North Chicago allegedly approached and accosted a female customer inside the store before becoming aggressive with employees and security.

Police said an off-duty officer working security attempted to intervene when Martinez-Cruz allegedly became combative. During the struggle, the suspect reportedly attacked the officer, leading to a physical altercation inside the store. Two off-duty FBI agents who happened to be nearby stepped in to assist and helped detain the suspect until additional law enforcement arrived.

Authorities said the suspect also attacked two Walmart workers during the incident. No serious injuries were reported, but the situation quickly drew attention because of the unusual involvement of federal agents who were off-duty at the time.

Martinez-Cruz was arrested and charged in connection with the altercation. The case remains ongoing through the Lake County court system.

The incident has sparked concern across Lake County about retail worker safety and the increasing number of violent disturbances occurring inside public businesses.