Ventura Man Accused Of Robbing Business In Custody

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — A 28-year-old man was in custody Saturday after allegedly robbing a business in Ventura yesterday afternoon.

According to the Ventura Police Department, officers were sent around 1:36 p.m. to Puerto Vallarta Ropa located in the 600 block of North Ventura Avenue for report of a theft.

Once on scene, officers spoke with the victim, an employee of the business, who explained the suspect had stolen several items from the store and fled on foot.

Police said the victim followed and confronted the suspect, who was later identified as Anthony Baty.

In response, Baty simulated that he had a weapon in his waistband, which inclined the victim to back off in fear for his safety, authorities said.

Officers obtained a description of Baty from the victim and other witnesses at the scene, which led them to a church located in the 600 block of North Ventura Avenue.

He was detained by officers, however, no weapon was located on his person or in the area.

Officers explained he had been previously arrested for narcotic related offenses, and was released from state prison as part of the post release offender program.

Authorities were able to recover some of the stolen merchandise at the scene.

According to police, Baty is being held on robbery charges at the Ventura County Main Jail.