A Mobile man is facing a first-degree robbery charge after police say a theft turned violent when he assaulted an employee at a Government Boulevard grocery store.
According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers were called to the ALDI at 1550 Government Boulevard around 7 p.m. Sunday in reference to a robbery. Officials say a man tried to leave the store with unpaid merchandise, and when a store employee attempted to get the items back, the man allegedly assaulted the worker.
The suspect tried to get into a car waiting for him outside, but the vehicle left without him, causing him to drop the stolen goods and attempt to flee on foot, according to police.
Toney Worthy, 60, of Mobile, was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery. He was taken to Mobile County Metro Jail. The case remains under investigation.
About the charge
Under Alabama law, a theft becomes robbery when force or the threat of force is used to take property or to keep it, including during flight after the theft. First-degree robbery, a Class A felony, applies when the person is armed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or causes serious physical injury.
