Police are hoping surveillance pictures will lead to the capture of the second suspect and a getaway driver.
Marcos Soriano, 25, is still healing from a brutal attack nearly two weeks ago.
"The first guy came in and tried to take the beer and I told him not to," said Soriano.
The incident was caught on surveillance video. It was close to 5:30 a.m. when the first suspect, identified by police as Jesus Fuentes, tried to steal beer. Soriano confronted him. Fuentes left, but he returned soon after.
"He comes in, steals some chips to draw the clerk outside. That's when they physically assault him," said Santa Ana Police Corporal Anthony Bertagna.
Once lured outside, Soriano realized Fuentes had his friend with him.
"He was like, 'I'm going to take the beer,' and punched me straight right here in the face, on the cheek," said Soriano.
Police say the two suspects punched and kicked the victim in the head and ribs for three and a half minutes.
During the attack, a customer called 911. As police pulled up, the first suspect left in a car, but Soriano managed to grab the second suspect and hold him for police. The suspect in custody was identified as Luis Torralva, a documented gang member.
Detectives continue to look for 23-year-old Jesus Fuentes, a Santa Ana resident and documented gang member.
Soriano's eye is still red, but the other bruises have healed. He says he wanted to return to work right away.
If you have information related to the case, contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.
