Supermarket workers, shoplifting suspect scuffle in video

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- An attempt to stop two shoplifters at a Stater Brothers supermarket in San Bernardino escalated to a scuffle as multiple employees surrounded and tried to subdue one of the struggling women.

A witness who filmed the end of the incident said she was shocked to see store employees surround a woman, drag her and throw punches.

"It was just really disgusting, it was really disgusting," said witness Christina Jackson of San Bernardino.

The incident unfolded at a paper towel display near the store's exit. In the video, about six or seven employees, including a security guard, are seen surrounding and grabbing the woman, who appears to be struggling against them. One person is yelling at the group to get off the woman.

Another woman was pushed into a door during the scuffle. Eventually the suspect is subdued and handcuffed by the guard. Another woman was also detained.

The store resumed business as usual later Friday and issued a statement to ABC7: "San Bernardino Police responded to an incident at this store, conducted an investigation and made two arrests. We are relieved our employees were not seriously injured,"

Jackson said she hopes the store's higher-ups will hold their employees accountable for the incident.

"I think it was very inappropriate. I understand the young lady was doing something wrong, but (there are) always proper procedures to everything."