SEATTLE — Five teenagers were arrested on Monday in West Seattle -- after police say they attacked a 55-year-old grocery store clerk who confronted them about shoplifting.
The clerk had earlier been in the Westwood Village QFC -- where he had seen the teens steal shrimp, hot dogs, and barbecue sauce, according to police.
Around 4:00 p.m., the man saw the same group of teens at a bus stop on SW Barton Street.
Police say the man confronted the teens, warning them not to return to the QFC.
One of the teens, a 19-year-old girl, pepper-sprayed the man. Police say the pepper spray sent him ‘tumbling to the ground.’
After he had fallen, officials say the teens punched and kicked the grocery clerk. A 17-year-old stole his iPhone before the group boarded a Metro bus.
Police say they were able to track down the teens on the bus. All were between 14 and 19 years old. Three of the teens were booked into the Youth Services Center.
The other two were booked into King County Jail.
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