WILTON, N.Y. — A 69-year-old Walmart employee, identified as Michael Bushey of Saratoga Springs, has died weeks after being struck by a vehicle driven by a man fleeing a theft, according to the New York State Police.
The incident occurred on October 16 outside the Walmart in Wilton, when 34-year-old Timothy W. Besaw allegedly drove his vehicle into a group of employees standing near the store entrance. Bushey and another worker were hit; both were rushed to the hospital. Bushey succumbed to his injuries this week at Albany Medical Center.
State Police say Besaw had been confronted by employees earlier that evening after allegedly attempting to leave the store with stolen merchandise. He left briefly, only to return wearing items he had reportedly stolen. When staff tried to stop him again, Besaw began arguing and yelling in the parking lot before getting into his vehicle and driving directly toward the group, striking two employees.
Besaw fled the scene but was pursued by Saratoga County sheriff’s deputies and later crashed on Perry Road, where he was arrested. Authorities said Besaw appeared to be intoxicated at the time.
He was initially charged with first- and second-degree assault, first- and second-degree vehicular assault, petit larceny, driving while intoxicated, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was arraigned in Wilton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail on $50,000 bail.
State Police spokeswoman Trooper Stephanie O’Neil said the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be filed pending the results of Bushey’s autopsy.
Court documents list Besaw as homeless. He is due back in court on November 25. A public defender representing him has not yet commented on the case.
The Wilton Walmart has not issued a public statement, but employees say Bushey was a longtime worker known for his kindness and professionalism, making his death especially painful for the community.
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