Bay Area Retail Thief Headbutts Employee While Trying To Escape: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A man fought with loss prevention employees, headbutting one of them Wednesday, after they tried to stop him from stealing clothes and cologne from a Macy's Department Store in San Mateo, police said.

At 8:49 p.m. on Wednesday, San Mateo Police Department officers said they responded to Macy's at 115 Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo and found loss prevention employees fighting and chasing a man near the store.

Loss Prevention officers detained the man, identified as Fernando Escotorivera, for shoplifting, police said.

Officers said they reviewed surveillance footage, spoke to witnesses and recovered stolen items, learning Escotorivera had tried to take around $550 worth of clothing and cologne.

Escotorivera fought with loss prevention when they tried to confront him and headbutted one of the employees during the fight, police said.

Escotorivera was booked into the San Mateo County Jail, police said.

"If you witness a crime, contact the police immediately. Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone. Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have," police said.