Thief punches Petaluma Target store clerk, flees empty-handed

Police said man had placed merchandise down his pants, but dropped it after the assault|

Petaluma police are looking for a man who punched a Target store employee and ran away after attempting to steal merchandise Friday evening, the police department said in a prepared statement.

The suspect, described as a white male in his 30s with dark hair and beard, had placed items down his pants and was attempting to leave the store on Kenilworth Drive about 6:45 p.m. when he was confronted by an employee.

The man dropped the merchandise, struck the employee causing a minor injury, then fled on foot, according to the statement.

Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call Petaluma Officer Robert Sutherland at 707-778-4372.

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.