Beer theft suspects busted at scene

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Three suspects were arrested after allegedly stealing beer from a California convenience store -- then returning to sloppily erase their tracks, police say.

Oscar Jiminez, 19, Eduardo Salgado, 18, and an unnamed juvenile allegedly stole beer from Dooley's Liquor Store & Market on 14th and Walnut in Santa Clarita's Newhall neighborhood. Detectives allege they returned a half-hour later about 11 p.m., drunk, and asked the clerk to hand over the surveillance video.

Lt. Tom Bryski of the Santa Clarita police station said "a scuffle ensued," KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, reported. One suspect allegedly brandished a knife and cut the store clerk on the arm. The clerk needed stitches.

What would have been a misdemeanor theft charge suddenly became felony for assault with a deadly weapon.

The three escaped, but were apprehended in short order, the TV station said.