HAZARD – A Hazard man who allegedly swallowed several of pills after he was caught shoplifting was admitted to the hospital for treatment, and is also facing a felony charge of tampering with physical evidence.

Hazard Police Sergeant Randy Napier responded to the shoplifting call at the Hazard Walmart on Monday, May 14. Store employees observed 28-year-old Joseph W. Sizemore concealing $87 worth of merchandise in a bag and exiting the store, according to the police citation.

Sgt. Napier reported that Sizemore appeared to be under the influence when he arrived on the scene. That’s also when Sizemore was alleged to have turned his back to the officer and began to chew and swallow a handful of pills in an apparent attempt to conceal them. Napier said he attempted to prevent Sizemore from ingesting the medication, and took him to the ground, but Sizemore was still able to swallow the pills.

After a brief struggle, Sgt. Napier eventually used a Taser to subdue Sizemore, handcuff and place him under arrest.

Sizemore was transported to the Hazard ARH medical center, where as of Tuesday, Napier said, he was still in the Intensive Care Unit as a result of ingesting the pills, which apparently included three types of medication.

When released, Sizemore will face charges of tampering with physical evidence, theft by unlawful taking under $500, public intoxication and resisting arrest.