An alleged shoplifting involving a 26-year-old Modesto man turned into a robbery case on Monday, Dec. 4 when a store clerk tried to stop the crime and was physically shoved away.

The incident occurred at 11:33 a.m. at the 99 Cents Only store on Hatch Road.

Ceres Police Detective Sgt. Danny Vierra was driving his unmarked police car through the shopping center and saw a 17-year-old store employee trying to detain Josue Monuy, 26, of Modesto, on the sidewalk in front. Monuy reportedly walked out of the store without paying for several items he had concealed in a bag. The suspect got away from the employee, walking quickly eastbound as the employee followed. When the employee tried to snatch the bag from Monuy, the suspect pushed him away. After a brief struggle, Monuy broke free, running southbound through the parking lot.

Sgt. Vierra drove alongside Monuy, identifying himself as an officer and ordering him to stop. The suspect turned and ran behind the businesses into the Vineyard Apartments at 1625 Richland Avenue. Vierra continued to order a non-compliant Monuy to halt as he followed him through the complex. Monuy ran toward Richland Avenue where he was intercepted by a uniformed officer. Monuy was arrested and booked into the County Jail on charges of robbery, resisting arrest, probation violation and possession of a controlled substance.