Sault suspect punches employee who caught them shoplifting

A 36-year-old Sault Ste. Marie suspect has been charged after an employee at a Great Northern Road business was attacked for trying to stop a shoplifter. (File)

A 36-year-old Sault Ste. Marie suspect has been charged after an employee at a Great Northern Road business was attacked for trying to stop a shoplifter.

The incident took place Thursday morning.

“The accused had attempted to leave the business without paying for several items and, when confronted, punched an employee twice before leaving the business,” Sault police said in a news release Friday.

The suspect had fled by the time police arrived, but he was located a short time later on Chapple Avenue and arrested.

“The accused also had a warrant for their arrest in connection with an assault on Dec. 31, 2023, where the accused punched someone known to them in the 0-100 block of Chapple Avenue causing minor physical injuries,” police said.

Charges include robbery with violence, assault, failing to attend court, failing to comply with an undertaking and four counts of violating parole.

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

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