The employee stabbed the colleague in the back just after 8 a.m. on Sunday at the store along the Interstate 340 Service Road close to Santa Fe Avenue in Oklahoma City, according to CBS affiliate News9.
Police told the network after the stabbing happened that the victim was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to News9, the Walmart employee wasn’t immediately arrested following the stabbing, as police began carrying out their investigation into the incident.
Officers told the network they believe the incident could have been an act of self-defense, without giving further details.
A Walmart spokesperson told Newsweek: “We are appreciative of the quick action of law enforcement and emergency responders. We’re currently assisting local police in their investigation and will refer questions to them.
“Additionally, associates with questions or needs following Sunday’s incident are encouraged to reach out to their manager for assistance.”
Newsweek has contacted the Oklahoma City Police Department for comment.
Knife Assaults
According to 2020 figures from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, there were 2,013 aggravated assaults in Oaklahoma where a knife or cutting instrument was used.
In comparison, a gun was involved in 4,340 aggravated assaults in the state that year - the report stated.
Newsweek has reported on numerous cases where people have been stabbed at their place of work, or by colleagues.
Earlier this year, a patient at the Walter P. Reuther Psychiatric Hospital in Westland, Michigan, stabbed a hospital employee in the neck.
Michigan State Police officials said a piece of metal was used in the attack and that the patient was able to hide it in his waistband.
Police said the patient stabbed the employee in the neck and shoulder after approaching him in the hall.
Other patients and hospital staff were able to restrain the suspect and the employee was taken to a nearby hospital.
Last year, an electrician allegedly beat and stabbed three of his co-workers during a violent rampage in Davenport, Florida.
Newsweek previously reported Shaun Runyon and his supervisor got into an argument with one another at work.
During the dispute, Runyon allegedly punched the supervisor and fled the scene and that he wasn’t seen for the rest of the day.
He later arrived at a home rented by their employer J & B Electric Inc., where seven people were living.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a press conference: “He stabbed and beat people inside the residence.”
Runyon allegedly beat one of his coworkers to death while the victim was in bed sleeping and then killed another. The second victim was later found on the front porch of the home, Judd told reporters.
Update 4/26/22, 4:56 a.m. EDT: This article has been updated to include comment from Walmart.
