MIAMI – A 29-year-old man was arrested after stealing from a grocery store and then pushing a 76-year-old woman to the ground in an unprovoked attack, Miami police confirmed in an arrest report Monday.
Recommended Videos
Miami police said officers took Devonta Deshawn Thomas into custody Thursday after responding to a report of retail theft at Fresco Y Más, located at 3701 NW 7th St.
A loss prevention manager told police that Thomas, who is listed as homeless in his arrest report, entered the store just before 1:30 p.m. and was seen taking multiple items from the meat, alcohol and produce sections, the report stated.
Police said they viewed surveillance footage that showed Thomas concealing the items in a personal bag before walking out without paying.
As Thomas left the store, police said he shoved an elderly woman on the sidewalk, causing her to fall.
The victim suffered several abrasions on her arms, according to authorities. The woman told officers she did not know the man and wanted to press charges, the report stated.
“He took me and threw me. I don’t know why he did it,” the woman told Local 10′s Bridgette Matter.
Police said the store’s loss prevention manager flagged down officers and directed them to where Thomas had fled. Officers quickly located him and detained him nearby.
A store manager positively identified Thomas as the suspect through a show-up procedure, and police said they reviewed CCTV footage confirming the theft and assault.
Investigators said the total value of the stolen items was reported to be just over $30.
They said Thomas has prior petit theft convictions related to other cases.
Authorities said Miami Fire Rescue personnel responded to treat the woman’s injuries at the scene.
Records show Thomas is facing one count each of battery on a person 65 years or older and petty theft following two prior convictions.
As of Monday, he was being held at the Metrowest Detention Center on a $10,000 bond.
