Shoplifting is never advisable, but at a local Wal-Mart in South Carolina, it became physically dangerous to boot. A "Loss Prevention" officer physically assaulted a woman he thought to be shoplifting, picking her up in a bear hug and, "slamming her face-first onto the floor." The loss prevention officer was arrested after the woman was rushed to the hospital to treat her injuries. She sustained a rather severe black eye, as you can see in the picture.

Now, of course, we don't condone shop lifting, but we're pretty sure that you shouldn't be slammed on the floor for it, either. Wal-Mart's statement regarding the incident were a bit blase: "First and foremost, the safety and security of our customers and associates is our top priority. We always expect the utmost professionalism from our associates at all times. We are currently investigating the claims related to this situation and will take appropriate action. We are cooperating with police on their investigation." The guy was caught on camera, so what is there to investigate? If Wal-Mart is serious about the safety and security of their customers and the professionalism of their associates, shouldn't they simply fire this guy?

Here's the full story form WYFF news in South Carolina:

Officers: Wal-Mart Guard Slammed Woman To Floor

A Wal-Mart loss prevention officer is under arrest after police said that surveillance video showed him grabbing a woman he suspected of shoplifting in a bear-hug and slamming her face-first onto the floor.

Spartanburg Public Safety officers were called to the Wal-Mart on Dorman Centre Drive on Tuesday after loss prevention officer Joseph Gregorie delete said he had detained a shoplifter at the store.

Gregorie told officers that he had observed 58-year-old Deborah Blackwell, of Greer, conceal several items in a tote bag while a male companion watched her do it. Gregorie said that Blackwell and the man then headed out the grocery store exit without paying for the items.

Gregorie said that Blackwell dropped the tote when he identified himself as an officer, but that she continued to try to leave the store. He said he grabbed her, and she lost her balance and they both fell.

Blackwell told officers that Gregorie had grabbed her in a "bear hug" and slammed her to the ground face first.

The officer reviewed the surveillance video, and said it confirmed that Gregorie had grabbed Blackwell in a bear-hug and threw her to the ground.

Blackwell was transported by ambulance to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for treatment of facial injuries. Police said that Blackwell's severe black eye was caused by the incident at Wal-Mart.

Blackwell is charged with shoplifting. Gregorie is charged with assault and battery.

Both have since been released.

Wal-Mart sent a statement to WYFF News 4 saying: "First and foremost, the safety and security of our customers and associates is our top priority. We always expect the utmost professionalism from our associates at all times. We are currently investigating the claims related to this situation and will take appropriate action. We are cooperating with police on their investigation."