Belleville, Illinois – A Walmart shopper in Belleville, Illinois found himself at the center of controversy after a viral video showed him loading items into his bag without scanning them at the self-checkout. The incident, which occurred at the Green Mount Commons Walmart, sparked outrage online as viewers accused the man of theft.

The video, which quickly circulated on social media platforms, garnered millions of views and incited a wave of criticism directed at the supermarket chain. Many online users condemned the man’s actions, citing concerns about theft and the impact on other shoppers.

However, the accused individual, Bill Astle, has since defended himself, revealing that he was actually working for Spark, Walmart’s delivery service, at the time of the incident. Astle explained that Spark delivery drivers use a phone app to select and scan items for customers, eliminating the need to scan items at the self-checkout kiosk.

Despite the online backlash and misunderstanding, Astle maintains that he was not stealing and was simply carrying out his duties as a Spark delivery driver. He expressed frustration over the misrepresentation of the incident and the subsequent impact on his reputation.

The viral video also led to unwarranted attention towards Astle, with individuals approaching him and accusing him of theft while he shopped. Astle shared receipts from his work at the store as evidence that he had not engaged in any criminal behavior.

In a surprising twist, it was revealed that Astle had, in fact, scanned and paid for a bouquet of roses for his wife just after the video ended. This detail, unknown to those who watched the viral clip, sheds new light on the situation and highlights the importance of context in such online controversies.

As the story unfolds, Astle continues to seek ways to rectify the situation and clear his name, hoping to move past the viral video and restore his reputation. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the power of social media and the potential consequences of misinformation in the digital age.