An audacious theft at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store turned violent when an employee was assaulted with a makeshift weapon by a man trying to make off with unpaid merchandise. El Cajon Police Department responded to the incident, which took place on February 6 around 2:30 PM, at the retailer located on Fletcher Parkway.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Steven Baez—who is reportedly homeless in El Cajon, boldly entered the store, snatched up goods, and attempted to exit without settling the bill. When confronted by an employee, Baez swung a heavy plastic bag at her, the bag, which contained a small metal propane bottle, struck the employee in the forehead causing her both pain and a minor injury while the audacious thief fled towards the trolley station. In a quick-witted response, the injured store clerk managed to snap a photo of the escaping perpetrator using her cell phone.
With the photograph aiding their search, El Cajon police officers spotted Baez as he was boarding the trolley northbound and apprehended him at the next station near Weld Blvd. Upon his detention, Baez was found with the stolen property and the same plastic bag used in the assault, according to a statement provided by the El Cajon Police Department.
THEFT SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER INJURING EMPLOYEE:
— El Cajon Police (@elcajonpolice) February 7, 2024
On February 6, 2024 at about 2:30 PM, a man entered Big 5 Sporting Goods on Fletcher Parkway, selected merchandise, and then exited the store without paying. A store employee attempted to stop the man from stealing. The man swung a… pic.twitter.com/0Jj95dWGsS
After his arrest, Baez faced felony charges for theft and assault, leading to his booking into San Diego Central Jail, "The El Cajon Police Department will use every resource available to hold criminals who commit these types of thefts accountable, criminal acts will not be tolerated and will have consequences for those who commit them," Chief Mike Moulton made clear in a resolute tone explicating the department's stance on such criminal behaviors.
