The incident happened June 18 around 3:10 p.m. at the Holiday Stationstore at 7901 Nicollet Ave., according to the Sun Current. Police say the man concealed merchandise in his clothing, and when a 45-year-old employee confronted him about it, he struck her with an umbrella, knocking the cellphone out of her hand.
He wasn't picked up right away. An officer later recognized him near Interstate 494 and Portland Avenue on June 22 at 8:30 a.m., wearing what police said was the same outfit he'd had on during the June 18 incident. He was arrested on the spot.
According to the Sun Current, when he was told why he was being detained, he asked if it was over a "stupid soda."
Hennepin County prosecutors charged him June 23 with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, a felony that carries up to 7 years in prison and a fine of $4,200 to $14,000 if he's convicted.