A man is accused of brandishing a gun-shaped lighter while stealing food from an Apple Valley gas station, authorities said Tuesday.
The crime happened just before 2 p.m. Thursday, Halloween, at the Beyond Food Mart and 76 Station, 14992 Dale Evans Parkway, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The suspect attempted to leave the store without paying for the food items and was confronted by employees, sheriff’s officials said in a written statement.
“Officers made contact with (the suspect) who then pulled out a silver handgun and pointed it at the officer,” the statement said.
A deputy found and detained the suspect, a 36-year-old Apple Valley man, nearby and found a silver gun-shaped lighter, officials said.
The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of robbery, a felony, booking records show. But the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges of shoplifting and brandishing a replica firearm Monday.
Bail has been set at $10,000 pending arraignment.