Publix employee assaulted during robbery of laundry detergent

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is on the lookout for a man who was caught on camera assaulting an employee while fleeing a store with merchandise during the strong armed robbery.

A suspect shoved an employee at Publix, 10128 Two Notch Road, around 1 p.m. March 16 while attempting to steal a shopping cart full of liquid laundry detergent, according to Sheriff Leon Lott.

The suspect fled the business, though the laundry detergent, valued at about $200, was later recovered.

The victim did not sustain injuries from the assault.

Using evidence from surveillance videos, deputies described the suspect as a black male in his late 40s to early 50s wearing a burgundy shirt and a white hat.

Those with information about the identity of the suspect can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-888-CRIME-SC, www.sccrimestoppers.com or text “TIPSC” plus the message to CRIMES (274637). Anyone with information leading up to an arrest could receive up to $1,000.