Clerk locks knife-wielding woman in Oxnard market she allegedly tried to rob, cops say

A store clerk turned the tables on a knife-wielding woman by locking her inside an Oxnard market after she allegedly tried stealing a bottle of liquor Friday night, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. at Mr. Kwik’s Market at 1309 Saviers Road, the Oxnard Police Department reported. The store is at Hill Street, generally south of Wooley Road, in an area with homes and businesses along Saviers.

The woman, identified as Santa Paula resident Yvette Fernandez, 33, reportedly came up to the counter and asked for a bottle of liquor. As the clerk rang up the bottle, Fernandez allegedly grabbed it and walked away without paying, according to police.

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Yvette Fernandez

When the clerk confronted Fernandez at the entrance of the store, she opened the bottle and drank from it, authorities said. She then allegedly brandished a knife and began swinging it at the clerk, authorities said, as she threatened him.

The clerk slammed the door on Fernandez, locking her inside until officers arrived, the department reported.

After her arrest, as police were escorting Fernandez to jail, she allegedly kicked one of the officers, the department reported.

Fernandez was arrested on suspicion of a felony robbery offense as well as misdemeanor battery on an officer and resisting arrest. She has several prior convictions for violently resisting officers, according to police. She remained in Ventura County jail Saturday morning with bail set at $55,000. 

Gretchen Wenner covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com or 805-437-0270.

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