A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and assault for shoplifting at a sporting goods store, El Cajon Police said Wednesday.
A man who was at a Big 5 Sporting Goods on Fletcher Parkway at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday selected merchandise and then exited the store without paying, police said, adding that a store employee attempted to stop the man from stealing.
“The man swung a plastic bag containing a small metal propane bottle at the employee and struck her in the forehead, causing pain and minor injury,” police said on social media. “The employee was able to use her cell phone to photograph the man as he fled the area toward the trolley.”
Officers observed the man boarding the trolley northbound toward the Weld Boulevard station. When the trolley arrived at the next stop, officers detained the man, who allegedly was found in possession of the stolen property along with the plastic bag containing the propane bottle.
Steven Baez was arrested on suspicion of felony theft and assault and was booked into San Diego Central Jail, according to the El Cajon Police Department.
–City News Service