Woman crushed in trash compactor

Suspected shoplifter fled security and tried to hide in machine

By David Shepardson, and David G. Grant / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- A suspected shoplifter died inside a trash compactor at a discount clothing store Wednesday, moments after the woman broke free from a security guard and ran into the back room, police said.

"This is a tragic and horrible accident," Homicide Insp. Bill Rice said.

The woman was identified as Gloria Terrell, 42. Investigators from the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office said it appeared that she died from massive internal injuries.

Rice said employees at Value Village, 8300 Woodward, told police the woman had visited the store several times and they had suspected her of shoplifting.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, a security guard suspected she was stealing and tried to apprehend her. But she broke free and ran into the back of the store.

Rice said the woman got into the trash compactor apparently to hide. After a fruitless search the guard gave up looking for her. Then employees who earlier had been filling the compactor returned and turned it on to crush boxes and other trash into small bundles.

Police spokesman Sgt. William Anderson said the case remains under investigation. The store manager declined comment.

Submitted on 05/05/2005

Submitted by: Little Doggie
Reference: detnews.com June 2000

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Daniel said:
Definitely Toss: Too Common
A wonderful story, but running criminals are way too common.

Kelly said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
You hear about drunks sleeping in dumpters and getting crushed in trash trucks once in a while but I don't think I've ever heard of a shoplifter getting killed in a trash compactor in a store.

Jack said:
Definitely Toss: Too Common
Whether they do it by jumping off of freeway overpasses or bridges or hiding in a trash compactor, stories about criminals who manage to kill themselves fleeing the cops are too common to make a good award.

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I'm afraid I have to agree with Kelly. While we have people dying in trash compactors far too frequently, and people dying while attempting to escape from police even more frequently, never before have we gotten both happening to the same candidate.

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