Shoplifter assaults store security guard
By Jason Yurgartis, News-Leader
A shoplifting incident Monday at Beall's department store in Fernandina Beach became a robbery investigation after the suspect allegedly attacked a store security officer, then fled the scene.
According to a Fernandina Beach Police Department report, the incident happened about 4:30 p.m. when a security officer saw a woman steal clothing from the store at 1439 Sadler Road. When the security officer tried to apprehend the woman outside the store she was punched in the face by the suspect, who then fled the scene in a yellow 2010 Chevy Cobalt, the report stated.
Police units searched the area but were unable to locate the car, which had a Georgia tag, the report stated.
Two witnesses who were in the parking lot saw the altercation between the women. One man shouted, telling them to stop. As the two disengaged, he realized one was store security and made note of the car license plate number, the report stated. The other witness told police the suspect was fighting hard and viciously. She also assisted police in recalling the tag number of the getaway vehicle.
According to the report, the suspect also left evidence at the scene when she dropped a brown and yellow beaded bracelet she was wearing on the ground during the struggle.
All told, the suspect made off with three tops and two pairs of pants with a total value of $140, the report stated.
According to the report, the store security officer was in some pain, with abrasions to the left side of her forehead, neck and elbow, but declined medical attention.
jyurgartis@fbnewsleader.com
Story created Nov 09, 2009 - 15:42:51 PST.
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