COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)–The Columbus Division of Police is looking for a man who allegedly pulled a gun on loss prevention officers at a Walmart.

Police say the suspect was stopped for shoplifting slippers at the Walmart at 3579 S. High Street on Jan. 27 around 2:50 p.m.

Once inside the loss prevention office, as loss prevention was trying to identify him, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun.

He was last seen fleeing in a gold or tan-colored Chevy Impala or Malibu. He is described as a white male, 6’2″ and in his mid 20s.

Columbus Burglary Detective Matt Liford said the man looked to be cooperating before he decided to make a break.

“At that point the suspect stands up, there is a tussle that ensues, he pulls out a handgun, puts it in the face of loss prevention and flees the scene,” said Liford.

He said the situation quickly became dangerous, but the employees did the right thing.

“It definitely wasn’t worth escalating they are unarmed and they got the merchandise,” Liford said.

Most Walmart slippers cost less than $15, which Liford said is classified as a misdemeanor theft. When the suspect fled the store, police said he left behind a vital piece of evidence.

“He did drop the baseball cap, so we have that in the property room for DNA,” Liford said.

Another man seen with the suspect did not commit a crime, but Liford said if the public can identify him, he could lead to the identifying the suspect.

“It was extremely dangerous, it was just a shoplifting. Once he brought the gun into the picture it escalated up to a first-degree felony of aggravated robbery,” said Liford.

If you recognize the suspect brandishing the handgun, Columbus burglary detectives ask you to call 614-645-4545.