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WEST JORDAN — Bryan Mildenhall has taken many photos, having practiced photography while in the Navy.
He thinks the images he caught this past weekend on his cellphone might be more important than anything he has ever taken.
"The West Jordan Police indicated that I did the right thing," Mildenhall said.
This past weekend, Mildenhall was at the Jordan Landing Wal-Mart when he heard screaming. He took out his phone and started recording.
"My whole intent was to bring it to the public’s attention," Mildenhall said.
He saw a Wal-Mart loss prevention officer holding a suspected shoplifter down, and Mildenhall described how he was holding her down.
"Not letting her up, not doing anything to readjust his position to where she wasn't crying out in pain," Mildenhall said. "It was uncalled for."
When asked, the West Jordan Police Department said a security guard can use physical force to detain someone suspected of a crime, such as shoplifting, as long as reasonable force is used.
Mildenhall said he understands security guards have a job to do but wishes this particular case wasn't so rough. He hopes the video will lead to change.
"It was done in such a way that it was just reprehensible," Mildenhall said.
Wal-Mart said it will look into the incident and might have a statement Wednesday. The security guard is not facing any trouble with the law. The woman is suspected of shoplifting.
Contributing: Xoel Cardenas
