Shoplifter Returns To LA Supermarket With Backup To Beat Up Employee: Report

LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities are continuing their search for three people wanted in connection to an assault on a Ralphs employee in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The incident occurred at around 4:50 p.m. Monday on the 17800 block of Ventura Boulevard in Encino. The suspects — two men and a woman — fled in a Dodge Durango on Ventura, according to the LAPD.

The suspects walked into the store and confronted an employee; within seconds one of the suspects punched the man, who was then attacked by several of the suspects, according to KTLA.

At one point, one of the suspects shoved a shopping cart into the man, KTLA reported.

An employee who provided a security camera video to KTLA said the incident began earlier Monday when the same employee stopped the female suspect from stealing bags full of merchandise. She returned a few hours later with the men, KTLA reported.

"We are deeply saddened by a senseless act of violence that took place at our store at our Ralphs in Encino yesterday. Safety remains one of our core values and is top priority. We are working in full cooperation with local law enforcement to support their ongoing investigation and identify the suspect(s)," a Ralphs spokesperson said in a statement.

City News Service contributed to this report.