A San Leandro man is facing robbery, assault and elder abuse charges after police say he shoved a 69-year-old CVS employee into a refrigerator while trying to walk out of the store without paying for merchandise. The confrontation unfolded Sept. 10 at the CVS in San Leandro Plaza on Washington Avenue, leaving the worker with significant injuries.
Police identified the suspect as 38-year-old San Leandro resident Chyance Anderson, according to CBS News. Investigators said Anderson gathered merchandise from the store and attempted to leave without paying, and as he made his exit, he struck the female employee with his shoulder, knocking her into a refrigerator.
How Detectives Tracked Down the Suspect
San Leandro detectives built their case by reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses and examining additional evidence, the station's report states. That work allowed investigators to identify Anderson as the suspect, leading officers to arrest him in San Leandro.
Anderson now faces charges of second-degree robbery, assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and elder abuse. Per the same account, the charges presented to the District Attorney's Office also include allegations of great bodily injury involving an elderly victim and aggravating circumstances.
Police Describe a 'Violent Incident'
San Leandro police spokesperson Lt. Jeff Walton did not mince words in describing what happened to the longtime store employee. “This was a violent incident that left an elderly victim with significant injuries,” Walton said, according to the report. Walton also praised detectives' work in identifying the suspect and bringing the case to a successful resolution.
Under California law, robbery is defined as the felonious taking of personal property in another person's possession, from that person or their immediate presence, against their will, and accomplished by force or fear, according to California Legislative Information. The addition of an elder abuse allegation signals that prosecutors view the employee's age as a significant factor in how the case will be charged and pursued.
