Store Clerk Pepper-Sprayed, Threatened By Stun Gun In Perris: Sheriff

PERRIS, CA — A clerk at a Perris business was allegedly pepper-sprayed Monday during a confrontation with a 27-year-old man, who was immediately apprehended.

David Chavez of Riverside was arrested on suspicion of unlawful use of tear gas and brandishing a weapon not in self defense, both misdemeanors, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Chavez was cited and released from custody.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Daniel McAuliffe, Chavez went into a business in the 1300 block of Jet Way, near Western Way, about 11:30 a.m. and was involved in an unspecified dispute with the victim, whose name was not disclosed.

McAuliffe alleged that the clerk was pepper-sprayed, and that Chavez additionally "displayed what the victim believed was a firearm." However, the device was later determined to be a stun gun that was holstered, according to McAuliffe.

Deputies arrived minutes after the alleged attack and took Chavez into custody without incident.

Paramedics provided treatment to the victim, who did not require hospitalization.

Background information on Chavez was unavailable.