Oxford, AL – On Saturday, August 12, 2023, at approximately 8:00 pm the Walmart security team called the Oxford Police regarding a possible shoplifter. Calhoun County Sheriff, Matthew Wade, has released that the suspected shoplifter was Josh Dale Hardy, 35, and was a Calhoun County Correctional Officer at the County Jail. Sheriff Wade advised that Hardy was observed by Walmart security taking approximately $200 worth of Pokémon cards and attempting to leave the store without paying for them. Hardy had completed his shift at the jail and was still in uniform during the suspected theft. Sheriff Wade stated, “It appears that he had taken his uniform shirt off, turned it inside out, and was still wearing it, the star badge could still be seen.” As security attempted to stop Hardy he began to run from the area causing a foot pursuit with the security personnel. Oxford police were able to arrive in the area and take Hardy into custody and transported to the Oxford City Jail without further incident.
Sheriff Wade said, “I made a promise to always be transparent with my position and this is why I am making sure the public is made aware of these types of actions. This is not a reflection on the other correctional officers that are dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office and working with honor and respect. I am deeply embarrassed and infuriated by the actions of this one person that has brought dishonor to the others that were supposed to be his extended family.” Sheriff Wade explained that whenever there has been a serious incident, such as this one, he will be the first to get in front of it and let the community know. As soon as the Sheriff was notified of the allegations Hardy was terminated from his employment with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Wade also wanted to express his apologies to the officers at the Oxford Police Department for having to become involved in this situation and to thank them for remaining as professional as they were by taking Hardy into custody.
