Man Allegedly Steals Tip Jar From Orange County Coffee Shop, Assaults Customer Who Tries To Stop Him

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) - Police in Orange County arrested a 26-year-old man who allegedly stole a tip jar from a coffee shop and then assaulted a customer who confronted him about the theft.

The Los Angeles Times reports Francisco Cardenas was taken into custody Sunday night in Huntington Beach on suspicion of theft and assault with a deadly weapon.

Investigators say Cardenas grabbed the tip jar at a Starbucks and was followed outside by a customer who witnessed the theft. Police say Cardenas then picked up a 40-pound metal sign, struck the patron in the head and fled on a bicycle.

The man who confronted Cardenas was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Cardenas is being held on $25,000 bail. It wasn't immediately known if he has a lawyer.