Beer theft suspects busted at scene

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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 Jimenez, 19, Eduardo Salgado, 18, and a juvenile whose name was not reported allegedly stole beer from Dooley's Liquor Store & Market in Santa Clarita about 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Detectives allege they returned a half-hour later, drunk, and asked the clerk to hand over the surveillance video.

Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Tom Bryski 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.