Home Depot worker, 83, dies after being pushed over by shoplifter

An 83-year-old Home Depot employee has passed away as a result of being pushed over by a shoplifter.

Earlier this year, on 18 October, Gary Rasor was working a shift at the North Carolina branch of Home Depot when who should cross his path in the 'garden area', but a thief, attempting to drag away 'a shopping cart containing three pressure washers' according to police.

The 83-year-old US Army Veteran was shoved out of the way by the shoplifter, causing him to fall and hit his head on a plant pot.

Rasor sadly passed away December 1.

A day later (Friday, 2 December), it was announced by the Hillsborough Police Department that Rasor's passing was a result of 'complications from the injuries' he received at the hands of the shoplifter back in October.

It's reported Rasor was left unable to walk after the incident and sustained multiple fractures too, resulting in him having been in hospital ever since 18 October, even remaining there for his 83rd birthday.

Rasor's wife, Yovone, told CBS17 the hospital had plans to 'send him to rehab to heal'. However, unfortunately Rasor's condition declined and he had to be rushed to ICU the day before Thanksgiving, where he remained until he passed away at the start of the month.

Yovone said: "I can't get him back... that's it."

**Warning: Graphic depiction of violence.**

An elderly store clerk is in the hospital after a shoplifter threw him to the ground while stealing from Home Depot.

Gary Rasor’s wife tells me she wants his attacker arrested so they can focus on healing.@WRAL https://t.co/gIr6vvQsF3 pic.twitter.com/niF660cxuH

— Keenan Willard (@KeenanWRAL) October 20, 2022

Rasor's death has since been ruled as a homicide.

Police are actively searching for the shoplifter - who was caught on the Home Depot's surveillance system.

The suspect is reported as being a man, around six feet tall and Black.

Authorities are also looking for a white Hyundai which the thief allegedly used to get away in.

Rasor's son, Jeff, has reflected on the incident as 'mind-boggling'.

He said: "[It's] just beyond our comprehension that someone would do this for a couple of power washers."

A spokesperson for Home Depot told Fox News Digital: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our associate Gary. He was part of our team for more than nine years. He was an amazing friend, husband, father and grandfather, always willing to help anyone.

"Right now, our top concern is supporting his family and our associates during this difficult time."

One of Rasor's other relations, Corina, has taken to Facebook to plea with people to share images of the 83-year-old in the hopes of someone having information about the identity of the shoplifter.

She wrote: "Our hearts are broken. I will share the news stories shortly. When I do, if you could help us by sharing (and asking your friends and family to share as well) the news stories so we can spread the picture and hopefully get that one phone call from that one person who KNOWS this person and where he is. Our family would really appreciate it."

UNILAD has contacted Home Depot for comment.