Shoplifter Punches Grocery Store​ Employee In East County: Police

EL CAJON, CA — Two shoplifters were arrested after they stole items and one of them punched a grocery store employee during two robberies in San Diego's East County, authorities said.

Police responded to a report of shoplifting around 6 p.m. Tuesday at Walmart at 605 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

A woman filled a shopping cart with merchandise and then left the store without paying, police Lt. Nick Sprecco said. Witnesses saw the woman get into a white Nissan Sentra, which was driven by another woman.

"Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspects or vehicle," Sprecco said.

About a half-hour later, two women were spotted at the Aldi grocery store at 123 Fletcher Parkway. A woman filled a shopping cart with merchandise and then left the store without paying, Sprecco said.

"The female punched an employee who tried to stop the theft, causing minor injury," Sprecco said. "The female's companion exited the store first and staged a white Nissan Sentra near a freeway onramp."

Officers arrived and arrested the women, who were identified as Alex Smith, 28, and Elaine Bouis-Medrano, 29. Police determined they were involved in both robberies and found their car loaded with stolen merchandise, Sprecco said.

The women were booked into Las Colinas Detention Facility on suspicion of felony charges.