An 83-year-old Home Depot worker in North Carolina has died weeks after being thrown to the ground while trying to stop a shoplifter who was a “danger to the community”.
Gary Rasor seen on surveillance cameras On October 18, three Ryobis stepped out of a Hillsborough store to confront a man driving a pressure cooker – only for the crook to push him to the ground and then casually walk away.
Rasor was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he celebrated his 83rd birthday and dreamed of seeing his new grandchild, his wife, for the first time. This was reported by WNCN.
He died on Thursday “due to complications from his injuries”. This was reported by the Hillsboro police Next day.
The North Carolina medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide, as police say the manhunt continues for a suspect they previously called a “menace to the community.”
Rasor’s son, Jeff Rasor, told WNCN: “It’s beyond our imagination that someone would do this for a couple of power washers.”
Police called the suspect a “threat to society.”
Gary Rasor was shown confronting a thief trying to make off with three pressure washers in October.
The thief didn’t stop until he pushed the then 82-year-old worker aside.
Racer was rushed to a local hospital, where he died more than 6 weeks later.
Raser hit his head and fell to the ground, as the rogue could neither stop nor look his way.
The thief continues to leave with three pressure washers in his cart.
The case is currently being investigated as a possible homicide following Raser’s death last Thursday.
“It just boggles the mind,” he said.
Rasor’s widow, Yvonne, said her husband was initially “upset” in hospital – until she saw footage of the attack.
“He lost it … he just lost it,” she recalled.
“It’s really hard and I know it sounds silly, but I’m still waiting for him to come home,” she said through tears on Saturday. “I can’t take it back…that’s it.”
“I can’t take him back … that’s it,” Rasor’s widow, Yovone, told WNCN.
When Rasor saw the video of his attack, he “lost it,” his wife said.
Police said the robbery is currently being investigated as a homicide.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to search for the 6-foot-5 suspect, who was wearing a black mask and black Calvin Klein hooded sweatshirt and fled in a white Hyundai Sonata with temporary North Carolina tags.