Detectives are looking for three shoplifters who beat up a dollar store employee in Brooklyn in order to steal, of all things, batteries and an oversized teddy bear.
Law enforcement sources said the theft happened at 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 inside the Ralph Ave. Dollar Inc. store located at 1590 Ralph Ave. in East Flatbush.
According to authorities, the suspects got into a dispute with a 47-year-old female employee while attempting to return merchandise. During the argument, the individuals grabbed $89 worth of batteries and a teddy bear, then headed for the exit without paying.
Cops said the employee confronted the trio and was kicked in the abdomen for her trouble. Police said the perpetrators fled in an unknown direction with the pilfered products.
Officers from the 63rd Precinct responded to the incident. The employee suffered abdominal pain and a hand laceration, but refused medical attention.
On Feb. 18, the NYPD released security photos of the shoplifting trio, along with security video showing them walking out of the store.
Anyone with information regarding the incident that could prove helpful is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA), visit the Crime Stoppers website or send a direct message on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
