McKeesport, PA — An 81-year-old woman from McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has filed a lawsuit against Walmart Inc., alleging that a store employee mistook her for a banned individual, leading to a traumatic confrontation that resulted in her hospitalization and the distress of her 8-year-old daughter.
Startling Accusations
Willie Mae Stinson, accompanied by her great-granddaughter, Keora, visited the North Versailles Walmart Supercenter in August 2022. They were there to process a return when a shocking incident unfolded. A Walmart employee approached Stinson and loudly accused her of being Linda King, an individual allegedly banned from Walmart.
Despite Stinson’s vehement protests and the confirmation of her identity by responding police officers, the employee persisted in his accusations. The escalating confrontation, with a crowd of onlookers, proved too much for Stinson, causing her to lose consciousness and necessitating hospitalization.
A Nightmare Unfolds
“The police were satisfied that there was a mistaken identity, but the Walmart employee continued yelling. The crowd was closing in,” the complaint, filed Thursday and made public Friday, stated. “Ms. Stinson had syncope and was taken to McKeesport Hospital by the paramedic… Keora Stinson was also traumatized by the incident, as she had observed her great-grandmother, who is her adoptive mother, collapse and was then taken away for questioning.”
Legal Action Taken
The Stinsons have taken legal action against Walmart, alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to their complaint, they visited the Walmart Supercenter on August 6, 2022, with a receipt to process a merchandise return. However, they were met with hostility.
