Police are looking for the man who pepper-sprayed the face an Eagle Gas store clerk Tuesday, Oct. 9 after being asked to produce an ID before buying beer.

The assault was reported at 11:31 a.m. at the downtown Ceres store. The suspect entered the store, fetched a beer from the cooler and brought it to the counter to pay for it. When the clerk asked for identification before he could sell alcohol, the suspect pulled out a small can of pepper spray and sprayed the clerk’s face after grabbing the beer. The man then walked out of the store and returned seconds later to spray the clerk again, adding, “That’s what you get.”

The clerk reported that the suspect is a regular customer and has issues anytime he is denied the purchase of alcohol.  About a week ago the clerk stated the same man struck him in the face but he failed to report the assault because he didn’t think the male would return.

The incident was captured on the store video surveillance system. He is seen as a white male adult wearing a black T-shirt, American flag shorts, and sunglasses on the back of his head.  He also had a military style haircut and mustache.

The pepper spray canister was found by officers behind the store and collected as evidence.  The suspect is wanted by the Ceres Police Department for assault and theft.  If anyone has information on the man’s identity they are urged to call Officer Charles Rushing at 538-5712.