INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — An employee of Vero Beach Hardware suffered injuries to his face after chasing down a man believed to have stolen $1,700 worth of merchandise from the store, according to the police report.
Max Barker, 23, of the 400 Block of 8th Manor in Indian River County, faces charges including felony grand theft, resist merchant, and misdemeanor battery, as a result of the incident.
Vero Beach Hardware is located at 3555 9th St. SW, in south Indian River County.
According to the report, Barker was loading stolen items into a vehicle when store employees approached him in the parking lot. The driver of the vehicle drove away and Barker attempted to run with a shopping cart still partially loaded with merchandise, the report states.
One store employee continued to chase Barker, catching and holding him until police arrived. The employee had multiple lacerations on his face where Barker had “attempted to claw at [his] eyes,” according to the arrest report.
Barker was taken to Indian River Medical Center to be treated for his own injuries before being transported to the Indian River County Jail for booking.
Barker is being held in lieu of $17,000 bond.
