Plain Township Man Accused of Attempted Murder of Police Officer Enters Insanity Plea

Shane Newman changed his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity after allegedly trying to shoot a Canton officer during a Walmart shoplifting arrest.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 12:48 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Cleveland 19 News (WOIO).

Violence Erupts During Shoplifting Investigation

The case against Shane Newman stems from a violent confrontation on December 18, 2025, at the Walmart located on Atlantic Boulevard NE. According to court records, a Canton police officer responded to the store to investigate a suspected shoplifting incident involving Newman and 23-year-old Katerina Jeffrey. While inside the loss prevention office, the situation turned deadly when Newman allegedly produced a handgun and attempted to shoot the officer at point-blank range.

Heroic Intervention Prevents Fatality

Police reports state that although Newman pulled the trigger, the firearm failed to discharge. Before he could attempt a second shot, a Walmart asset protection associate intervened by jumping on Newman. Body camera footage captured the struggle, showing the officer taking Newman to the floor to complete the arrest. The officer later noted that he refrained from using his own service weapon to avoid striking the store employee who was actively restraining the suspect.

New Legal Strategy: The Insanity Plea

On March 10, 2026, Newman appeared in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas to officially change his plea to not guilty by reason of insanity. This shift in strategy means Newman will now be evaluated by the Psycho-Diagnostic Clinic. Experts will determine if he was capable of understanding the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the offense. A formal report on his competency and sanity is expected to be submitted to the court in early April.