Reporting for the St. Petersburg Times, Mark Albright describes the tribulations of Reginald Pitts, delayed at a ‘customer service’ desk for two hours by Wal-Mart authorities for no reason, aside perhaps for the fact that he was black: ” Later, two Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies appeared. One grabbed Pitts by the arm. He objected to the rough handling and asked if he was being arrested.

“We need to talk with you about this forged check that you brought in here,” Pitts recalled deputy Bryan Wells saying. Later Wells explained the reason for the firm arm grab: “Well, Wal-Mart called us and reported to us that you committed a felony, and that’s the way we approach felons,” Pitts recalled.

Within 19 minutes deputies reviewed the evidence, determined there was no grounds for a criminal charge and learned Wal-Mart would not press the issue further. Wells handed the check to Pitts.

“Our deputies didn’t even see enough (of a case) to write a report,” said Lt. Carmen Rivas, the shift commander. “We responded only because Wal-Mart called in a bad check report.”

Check Mate

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