2001 Chevy Camaro Sears Automotive

Today I took my 2001 Chevy Camaro Z28 into Sears Automotive to get an oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid change. When I drove off of their driveway, I could tell that the ignition was different than what I was used to. It seemed to have to be forced a lot more than usual. I figured maybe it had something to do with the nuetral safety switch. Since they had just changed the brake fluid I didn't think much of it. When I got home, I turned the car off and couldn't get my key out of the ignition. After finally turning the key into the far aft position ( great force required), I was able to remove the key. I then again attempted to restart the car. At this point, the force to turn the ignition forward was so great I had to use 2 hands and was scared I might break it off. I finally started it and took it back to Sears. Their only solution was to adjust the streering column and shake the key vigorously. I had never had any previous problems like this with the ignition system. They sent me home again after it appeared to be working at their shop, then it once again would not let me have my key in my driveway, even after adjusting the steering column this time. I basically told the manager that the ignition was working fine when I dropped it off at 11 AM and when I picked it up at 1:30 PM the car was jacked up. He proceeded to tell me that the ignition cylinder had "just went bad" at this certain point in time. Is that likely given there had been no previous issues with it? Also, is there anything that might cause this type of behavior out of this component, such as trying to stick the wrong key in the ignition and turning? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. Its just very hard for me to believe that this piece went bad in this 2 hour window with no previous signs. Thank you.

-Ken