Teenage boy arrested for racial comment at NJ Walmart

The teen is accused of using the public address (PA) system shortly before 5 p.m. on March 14, and announcing calmly, "Attention, Wal-Mart customers: All black people, leave the store now.”

Furnishing some details of the culprit, the deputy police chief John Dalesandro of the Washington Township Police Department said the teenager is charged with harassment and bias intimidation.

The case would be handled in juvenile court in Atlantic County, where the teenager lives. The punishment for the crime, a fourth degree offense, would depend upon the boy’s prior criminal record.

Investigation still underway
Police and the local prosecutor have not disclosed the boy’s identity because of his age and declined any information about his race since it was irrelevant to the ongoing investigation. He was handed over to his parents.

The investigating authorities did not divulge whether the announcement was planned or simply an impulsive prank. The police is still exploring whether the suspect had an accomplice.

Meanwhile, they are scrutinizing the boy who accompanied the teenager to the store to establish whether he was party to the crime but the other boy has not been charged.

Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said at a news conference, "This was an extremely disturbing event on many levels. Any statements like these that can cause harm or grave concern must be addressed as quickly as we can.”

The case would be handled in juvenile court in Atlantic County, where the teenager lives. The punishment for the crime, a fourth degree offense, would depend upon the boy’s prior criminal record.

Incident causes backlash
In the New Jersey store the PA system is easy accessible and anyone can pick up the phones located throughout the store.

Though the Walmart manager quickly went on the intercom and tendered an apology, the incident caused a backlash, with many customers expressing anger at the store management.

Many black customers claimed there have been instances in the past at Walmart stores when they were treated unfairly.

In early 2009, Walmart paid $17.5 million to settle a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in its hiring of truck drivers.

People have stated they would no longer shop at the store based on what occurred, even though it seems Walmart has co-operated with the investigators by turning over the security tapes to them.

Walmart spokesman David Tovar stated, "We're pleased this matter is resolved. We have updated our intercom system at this store to prevent this from happening again.

“We again apologize to all of our customers and associates who had to listen to something so offensive."