Officers use Taser to subdue 20-year-old suspect at Simi Valley market

Police in Simi Valley used a Taser to arrest a 20-year-old man who allegedly assaulted a store manager during a shoplifting incident Saturday evening, authorities said.

Shortly after 6:15 p.m., officers were called to a fight in progress at Stater Bros. Market at 660 E. Los Angeles Ave., east of Sinaloa Road, the Simi Valley Police Department reported.

Authorities learned that Austin Roach, 20, of Simi Valley, had reportedly tried to steal items from the market, officials said. When the store manager confronted Roach, Roach assaulted him, according to the department's account, and several customers then helped the manager detain Roach until officers arrived.

More local news:Oxnard police arrest man suspected of stealing religious items from church

Roach then resisted officers and ignored their commands, according to police. Officers used a Taser to take him into custody.

Roach was arrested on suspicion of a felony first-degree robbery violation and misdemeanor resisting arrest, Ventura County jail records show. Such felony-level "Estes robbery" allegations typically arise when a suspect uses force or fear against a store employee or security guard when trying to steal merchandise, according to police. Roach remained in jail Sunday afternoon in lieu of $100,000 bail.

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

Local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.