Inset: Justin Metz (Atchison County Detention Center). Background: The Walmart store at 1920 U.S. 73 in Atchison, Kan., where Justin Metz’s alleged attack unfolded (Google Maps).
A Kansas man was arrested this week for allegedly posing as an employee for Walmart — telling a female shopper he was an “asset protection officer” and that she needed to come with him to the back of the store — where he attacked and raped her, cops say.
Justin Metz, 42, singled out the woman at a Walmart in Atchison on U.S. Route 73 earlier this month and kidnapped her under the guise of a security guard, according to the local Hays Post news website and Fox affiliates KCTV and WDAF.
Metz allegedly approached the 32-year-old shopper as she was leaving the store and told her he was an “asset protection officer” who needed to speak with her, the Atchison Police Department reports.
He led the woman to the back of the Walmart and brought her into a bathroom, where he committed the sexual assault and then proceeded to go about his day while the woman notified police, officials say. Hours later, Metz allegedly returned to the Walmart and employees called authorities after spotting him walking around the store.
Cops responded and took Metz into custody without incident and charged him with kidnapping, rape and sexual battery. Walmart sent a statement out Tuesday confirming that Metz was not an employee nor was he working as a security guard.
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“The safety of customers and associates is a top priority,” the retail giant said, according to WDAF. “We acted swiftly to engage law enforcement and are working closely with them throughout this investigation.”
Metz’s attack unfolded on March 9, but wasn’t reported until Tuesday. He has yet to appear in court for his charges and is currently locked up at the Atchison County jail as police look into whether Metz has committed similar attacks on other women. A court date has not been set for him yet as the investigation continues.
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