7-Eleven Theft Suspect Fights Clerk, Flees With Fire Extinguisher: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department arrested a 25-year-old Redwood City resident after alleged theft and brief struggle at a 7-Eleven, police said.

According to officers, they received a report at around 3:47 a.m. of a theft in progress at a 7-Eleven located at 11 Laurie Meadows Dr.

When officers arrived, a store employee said the suspect had fled the store on foot toward Blossom Circle.

SMPD located Erwin Baccoc at a condominium stairwell on Blossom Circle, but reportedly violently resisted arrest and refused to show his hands.

After the brief struggle, police officers were able to arrest Baccoc.

According to the investigation, Baccoc allegedly attempted to steal alcohol from the store, but the store clerk confronted him, and a physical struggle occurred over the suspect's backpack, where the stolen alcohol was reportedly found.

The store clerk reportedly retrieved the alcohol and exited the store to report the incident, while Baccoc allegedly took a fire extinguisher from the store and fled with it, police said.

Baccoc was transported to the local hospital and received medical attention for minor abrasions. He was then booked into the San Mateo County Jail for suspicion of robbery, resisting an officer, and willfully and maliciously tampering with fire equipment.

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