Jacksonville, AL – An arrest has been made in connection with a stabbing and theft incident at the Jacksonville Walmart that occurred on Dec. 5, according to Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood.
Marquavious Travon Williams, 29, of Anniston, was arrested on Dec. 6 at a residence in the 800 block of East 15th Street in Anniston. Chief Wood said investigators located Williams through investigative leads and tips provided by members of the community. When officers made contact, Williams reportedly rushed inside the residence and barricaded himself.
During the interaction, officers discovered Williams had several outstanding warrants in both Calhoun and Etowah counties, Wood said. In addition, the Jacksonville Police Department obtained multiple warrants related to the Walmart incident, including charges of obstruction of justice and use of a false identity, second-degree assault, second-degree retail theft, and resisting arrest. Bonds were set at $10,000 for obstruction of justice and false ID, $20,000 for second-degree assault, $10,000 for second-degree retail theft, and $1,500 for resisting arrest. All charges are felonies except resisting arrest.
Williams surrendered to law enforcement after approximately two hours. He is currently in custody in Etowah County and will be transferred to face the Jacksonville charges after resolving his obligations with other agencies.
According to police, Williams is a suspect in the stabbing of a Salvation Army worker that occurred during the incident. Authorities said the worker followed a masked individual carrying a computer monitor into the Walmart parking lot, where a scuffle occurred and the worker was stabbed. The suspect fled the scene. The injured worker was treated at a local hospital and released later that day.
“From the very beginning, our officers and investigators have been working to identify and arrest this suspect, and they have done an excellent job,” Wood said. “We are committed to being vigilant in finding and arresting those who come to the City of Jacksonville to commit crimes.”
Wood also thanked the Anniston Police Department for assisting in the investigation.
In addition, Wood reminded residents that retail theft often increases during the holiday season and emphasized the seriousness of habitual offenses. Under Alabama law, retail theft charges may apply when the total value of stolen goods meets or exceeds $1,000 within a 180-day period.
“If you’re caught shoplifting in Jacksonville and are a habitual offender, our goal is to charge you with retail theft,” Wood said.
