Downtown convenience store owner hurt, man arrested after scuffle over allegedly stolen items

A convenience store owner sustained minor injuries and a man was arrested after they had a scuffle over items worth about $15 that were allegedly stolen by the suspect.

Olympia police said Justin Tyrone McConnell, 38, was arrested on Thu., Oct. 21, after the owner of a convenience store on Washington Street reported a robbery. McConnell had no address listed but told police that he was at the Mitigation Site immediately prior to going to the store, which is located across the street from the site.

A responding police officer said the store owner was “pinning a male to the alley wall” when he arrived at the scene.

The store owner told police that the suspect entered his store, grabbed a drink and a magazine, then began walking toward the door.

According to the owner, the suspect said he would pay for the items once he had chosen a candy bar. However, the owner added, McConnell did not grab a candy bar but instead exited the store.

The suspect admitted to police that he took a drink and a magazine from the store then left without paying since he did not have enough money.

McConnell told police that after he left the store, the owner ran from behind the counter and grabbed him. The two had a struggle to the alley.

The suspect admitted to authorities that he attempted to pry the owner’s hands off him so he could get away but added that he did not strike the store owner.

McConnell said he was withdrawing from narcotics use.

The store owner sustained wounds in his foot and hand, which were treated by the Olympia Fire Department.

The suspect was booked at the Thurston County Jail for robbery.