Aug, 8, 2008
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gas station customer beaten after chasing shoplifting suspect
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ANNA WALTERS
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
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CUSTER - A 33-year-old man suffered several head wounds after he tried to help catch a suspected shoplifter, and was assaulted.
The man, whose name and hometown were unavailable Friday morning, was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where he was admitted.
Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, Whatcom County sheriff's deputies were called to a Shell Station on the 3400 block of Birch Bay-Lynden Road, where a 16-year-old boy allegedly had grabbed two 18-packs of beer and fled, according to Sgt. Sean Crisp with the Sheriff's Office
A Shell station employee, whose name was unavailable, and the customer chased the suspect. When they caught up to him, the suspect assaulted the customer, and the employee returned to the store to call 911, Crisp said.
Antonio Lopez, 19, of Blaine, allegedly got out of a nearby car and struck the customer, who was still fighting with the 16-year-old, in the head several times with nunchucks, Crisp said.
The two suspects left in the car, but returned moments later. A deputy arrived and arrested both on several charges, including suspicion of first-degree robbery and first-degree assault, as well as driving under the influence, minor in possession and other misdemeanors.
The Sheriff's Office did not release the teen's name.
