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Man attempting to rob local Walmart breaks greeter's hip, leads police on chase

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Pa. — Police said a man who tried to rob a local Walmart Wednesday night injured the store's greeter as he tried to get away and then led police on a high-speed chase.

Investigators said Jordan McMullen was arrested after he attempted to steal items from the Union Township store.

Officers said a store security guard got into an altercation with McMullen and when the greeter attempted to intervene, McMullen slammed him to the ground.

"The Walmart greeter, who is 72 years old, came over to stop the altercation and the male actually grabbed him and slammed him down, thus fracturing his hip," said Union Township officer David McBride.

Afterward, police said McMullen took off in his car and led police on a chase into New Castle where he sideswiped a police cruiser.

The chase ended when investigators said McMullen traveled down Route 168, lost control and hit a tree.

"He was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. Easily a hundred miles an hour," said McBride. "The numerous lives he put in jeopardy is unbelievable."

McMullen was quickly taken into custody. As he was being taken to jail, McMullen spoke to Channel 11's Julie Fine.

"I apologize for what has occurred. I am praying for [the greeter's] recovery," McMullen said.

The greeter is expected to undergo surgery Thursday.

McMullen is in the Lawrence County jail facing several charges including aggravated assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding police, retail theft, simple assault and endangering the welfare of another person.