Crime & Safety
Men Accused of Theft, Punching Mission Ace Employee
The two suspects were arrested Saturday afternoon after allegedly stealing from the hardware store and giving chase to employees.
An employee at is doing fine today after allegedly being punched in the face by one of two theft suspects when confronted outside the store Saturday.
Arrested were Jimmy Placencia, 24, and Ivan Casas, 31. Placencia was booked on suspicion of robbery and burglary. Casas was booked on suspicion of robbery, burglary and battery. Both are being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
The two suspects were confronted by loss prevention at the hardware store, 531 South Glendora Avenue, after employees reportedly witnessed them steal engine starter spray, according to Lieutenant James DeMond.
As the men walked out, one of the suspects reportedly punched the employee in the face and both ran. The employee was not seriously hurt, but reportedly suffered from some redness on his cheek, police said.
"They were going up Glendora Avenue when an officer happened to be going that way and saw them. He then saw the loss prevention employee behind them," DeMond said.
The officer then cut off the suspects on Glendora Avenue near the railroad tracks. The suspects attempted to ditch the allegedly stolen property nearby while they ran through the parking lot, but it was quickly found, police said.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in West Covina Superior Court June 5.