Suspected shoplifter accused of attacking store employee over $2.49 laundry soap

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - A brutal assault in west Phoenix: a store employee was slammed to the ground, breaking his eye socket - all after he told a suspected shoplifter he was calling the police. It was all caught on video and now Phoenix Police need your help in identifying the attacker.

The 62-year-old victim was supposed to retire at the end of August. Instead, he's recuperating from a serious injury.

Take a look at the Super 99 Cents Plus store's surveillance from August 12. A man in a red shirt leaves the business near 27th Avenue and Van Buren, an employee named Mike follows him, calls him out for shoplifting and says he's calling the police.

Mike turns to go back inside, then the suspect barrels into him, punching and kicking, flinging him to the pavement, face first.

Here's how it started: the suspect was in the store's detergent aisle and was caught on video, "Trying to take stuff shoplifting.. stuffing something into his pants.. Laundry soap.. hmmm.. laundry soap, he was stealing laundry soap," said the store's owner, Brian Lee.

A $2.49 bag of laundry detergent in his pants.

"No matter what that is.. not fair.. young guy uses his power to knock him down and fracture his bone.. no matter what, he has to be punished," said Lee.

Phoenix Police are looking for the suspect. Anyone with information about this case should call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Callers can remain anonymous, and receive a cash award for tips leading to an arrest or indictment.

Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre el caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).