RINCON, Ga. — A Rincon police officer has returned to duty after an internal review into his use of force during the arrest of a shoplifting suspect in the Walmart parking lot, police confirmed Wednesday.
The officer — identified in a police report as Christopher Buckner — was placed on administrative leave following the August 2 incident, portions of which were captured in a bystander video that circulated widely on Facebook. Buckner resumed regular duty today, the city said in a statement accompanying the release of redacted body camera footage and the initial incident report. The Rincon Police Department said the release of the report, bodycam video, and officer status update was made “in the interest of transparency.”
According to the newly released report, officers responded to a call around 2 p.m. that day about an alleged shoplifting in progress at the Walmart on South Columbia Avenue. Dispatchers advised that multiple suspects had left the scene in a red Jeep Grand Cherokee, while two others were still on foot in the parking lot.
Three Rincon officers responded — one searching for the vehicle, and two going to Walmart. When the officers arrived, they located two men matching descriptions provided by store staff.
One suspect complied with verbal commands and was detained without incident.
The second suspect — later identified as James Williams, 31, of Rincon — appeared to be talking on a cellphone. When Buckner ordered him to stop and walk toward the patrol car, Williams turned away. The officer grabbed his wrist and began escorting him, but Williams pulled away, according to the report.
A physical struggle ensued. Williams allegedly shoved the officer backward, prompting the officer to take him to the ground. The officer gave repeated verbal commands for Williams to show his hands. When Williams allegedly refused and continued to struggle, the officer delivered several closed-fist strikes to Williams’ side and head. A second officer on scene also issued commands for Williams to stop resisting.
Williams allegedly continued resisting and ignored commands, leading the officer to deliver several drive-stun bursts from his department-issued Taser to Williams’ lower back. At one point, Williams appeared to reach for the Taser, prompting the officer to holster the device.
An Effingham County sheriff’s deputy then arrived and helped the officer gain control of Williams’ wrists long enough to handcuff him. No further force was used after he was secured, police said.
Both the officer and Williams suffered minor injuries during the struggle and were evaluated by EMS at the scene. The officer had lacerations on his arm, and Williams had abrasions on his elbow. No further medical treatment was needed.
The second male suspect — later identified as Chrishaun Ferguson — was released at the scene.
As officers secured Williams, a woman approached, shouting that her “baby daddy” was being arrested. When asked to leave, she refused and continued yelling at officers. She later identified herself as Younique Garcia and told officers she was pregnant.
Officers informed Garcia she would be arrested if she did not comply. According to the report, she resisted as officers attempted to handcuff her and struggled with four officers before being secured. Police said no force beyond standard handcuffing techniques was used. She was transported to the Effingham County jail and charged with obstruction.
The cooperative male suspect was released at the scene.
Detectives reviewing Walmart’s surveillance video later identified a group of five suspects — all from Savannah — arriving in a red Jeep and entering the store. According to the video, some suspects loaded two shopping carts with household goods and appliances. One cart was taken outside and loaded into the Jeep without payment. The remaining suspects attempted to exit with the second cart but fled when confronted by store staff.
Rincon detectives have identified all five individuals involved and have obtained felony shoplifting warrants. The investigation remains active.
