Brockton police ID employee accused of shooting knife-wielding customer at Ocean State Job Lot
An employee wanted in connection with a shooting inside an Ocean State Job Lot in Brockton that left a customer injured over the weekend has surrendered to police, officials announced Monday morning.
Khamani K. Anderson, 18, is slated to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, possession of a loaded firearm during a felony, and improper storage of a firearm, according to the Brockton Police Department.
Anderson allegedly shot the customer around 12 p.m. Sunday at the store at 105 Campanelli Industrial Drive, police said. He later turned himself in without incident.
The male victim was shot after allegedly pulling a knife during a dispute with the employee, police said. He was taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.
Investigators identified the victim as 26-year-old Brandon C. Theodat, who is charged with assault and battery with a knife, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and default warrant.
Anderson’s attorney said it was a case of self-defense because Theodat pulled out a knife and approached the teen. The state does not dispute that the customer pulled out a knife.
Police said Anderson kept that gun in a store locker room — and went back to get it once Theodat became violent. Anderson’s attorney said Theodat was a well-known customer — but for the wrong reasons. He said Job Lot employees considered him a serial shoplifter.
The 18-year-old Anderson is no stranger to the judicial system — Monday’s arraignment in Brockton District Court was his fourth this year. In April, May, and July Anderson faced charges that included Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Speeding, and Disorderly Conduct.
He was out on bail but Monday, the judge revoked bail. Anderson will have a 58A or dangerousness hearing this Friday to determine whether bail should be set.
Theodat’s biological mother, who gave him up for adoption, said her son suffers from severe mental illness.
“He calls me like five to ten times a day,” said Lucille Coleman. “And he’s just been talking like disturbing things, saying disturbing things, and that’s why I tried to have him sectioned.”
She said prison would do more harm than good for her son.
“It’s mental health,” Coleman said. “And I just don’t think prison’s the right place for him... I feel like it’s a cry for help.”
In a statement late Sunday afternoon, Ocean State Job Lot said, “The safety of our customers and associates continues to be our top priority as we work with the Brockton Police to investigate this incident.”
The store closed to the public after the shooting. It reopened Monday morning at 8 a.m.
The shooting remains under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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