Coblyn v. Kennedy's Inc.

Should store owners be allowed to detain suspected shoplifters? If so, to what extent should they be allowed to stop and interrogate customers? As plaintiff was about to leave the defendant’s store, defendant’s employee stopped him under the mistaken belief that the plaintiff had stolen a scarf. The employee grabbed plaintiff’s arm and insisted he return to the back of the store. Plaintiff complied, but suffered a heart attack due to the embarrassment and stress of the situation.