Antioch man arrested for shoplifting, assaulting security officers with box cutter at JC Penney, Monday
By Sergeant Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau
On, Monday, March 14, 2016, at 12:08 p.m., Antioch Police Officers responded to JC Penney for the report of a shoplifter in custody who had fought with plain clothed Loss Prevention (LP) Personnel. LP Officers had observed a subject, later identified as 58-year-old Antioch resident Tony Cotton enter into the store and begin placing clothing into a back pack. He was contacted outside of the store by LP Officers when he exited without paying for the merchandise.
They identified themselves and Cotton refused to return to the store. A struggle began when LP Officers attempted to arrest him. During the struggle, Cotton produced a box cutter and assaulted both LP Officers. Cotton was secured in handcuffs and brought back into the store. All merchandise was recovered.
Both LP Officers suffered minor injuries as a result of this incident. Both had minor lacerations and only one required further medical attention. Cotton suffered no injuries and was booked at the Antioch Police Department on felony charges. He was later transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.
