REDDING, Calif. — A man and a juvenile were arrested Wednesday in connection with the theft of alcohol from a WinCo store on Old Alturas Road, according to the Redding Police Department.
Police said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Tuesday when the two entered the store and selected multiple alcoholic beverages. Authorities allege the pair walked past the registers without paying, carrying the items in an attempt to steal them.
A store employee confronted the suspects as they attempted to leave. During the confrontation, the juvenile allegedly threw a glass bottle at the employee in an effort to use force or fear to retain possession of the stolen alcohol.
The second suspect, identified as 24-year-old Cody Pierson of Redding, also allegedly stole alcoholic beverages but did not assault any employees.
Both suspects fled the scene in a red sedan at a high rate of speed. With assistance from the public, police later identified the suspects and arrested them at their respective residences in Redding.
Authorities said the juvenile was on probation for assault with a semi-automatic firearm at the time of the incident. He was booked into the Shasta County Juvenile Rehabilitation Center on charges including felony robbery, felony assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and a probation violation.
Pierson was booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges of petty theft, conspiracy to commit a crime (felony), and aiding and abetting.
Police thanked the community for helping identify the suspects and stated they will continue efforts to address criminal activity in the area.
