A thief became violent last week in a downtown cold beer and wine store when staff tried to prevent him from leaving with stolen alcohol.

He grabbed the bottle of alcohol after entering the store, then tried to run past the cashier and out the door. An employee jumped in front of the door to block him from fleeing, so the thief turned around and grabbed another 26-ounce bottle of alcohol.

The suspect threatened to hit the staff member, and then took a swing with the bottle in his hand, narrowly missing the employee’s head and hitting him in the shoulder. Two more staff joined in the struggle, helping the victim tackle the thief to the ground, and call 9-1-1.

Vancouver Police officers arrested the man for assault with a weapon and he was taken to jail. No one was seriously injured.