Shoplifting suspect accused of assaulting store worker

A woman accused of shoplifting from a Talo’fo’fo’ store is now facing felony charges after police say she assaulted an employee while trying to leave the business. 

35-year old Sandralena Bernice Sablan Cepeda was charged Tuesday with third-degree robbery and aggravated assault as third-degree felonies, along with reckless conduct and assault as misdemeanors.

According to a magistrate’s complaint filed in superior court, officers were called Sunday to New Morning Mart in the southern village. A store employee told police she confronted Cepeda after suspecting her of stealing items from the store.

The confrontation escalated into a struggle. Witnesses told police Cepeda allegedly overpowered the employee and struck her in the head with a bag that contained a metal water bottle.