WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

WINFIELD – A man blames Rite-Aid after he urinated on himself while being detained for allegedly shoplifting.

Mark Richardson II filed the lawsuit Sept. 11 in Putnam Circuit Court. In the complaint, Richardson says he was shopping at an unnamed Rite Aid store on Dec. 13, 2005, when he was detained by a store manager for allegedly shoplifting. The complaint does not specify if he later was found guilty of shoplifting.

While being detained, Richardson says he informed the store manager that he had a bladder control problem and needed to use the restroom.

"Despite his requests to use the restroom, the manager continued to detain him without just cause," the complaint states "This resulted in Mr. Richardson urinating on himself.
At the time of the event, plaintiff was being treated by a physician for overactive bladder symptoms."

Richardson says Rite Aid falsely accused and improperly detained him and that as a result of the intentional and outrageous conduct, he urinated on himself. He says he suffered emotional distress and humiliation as a direct and approximate result of the defendants' conduct.

He seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees, court costs and other relief.

Richardson is represented by attorney Paul M. Stroebel. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge O.C. "Hobby" Spauldling.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 06-C-302