Deodorant theft, fight lead to robbery charge, police say

A man who stole deodorant from a Fillmore store was arrested on suspicion of robbery after he fought with a security guard outside the business, authorities said.

Peter Martinez, 38, of Fillmore was arrested Friday night after the incident at Rite Aid Pharmacy, 600 Ventura St., sheriff's officials said.

Martinez put seven deodorant products from the store into a plastic bag he brought. He paid for other items but walked out without paying for the deodorant, which was worth less than $40, officials said.

When a security officer identified himself and tried to stop Martinez outside the store, he fought with the guard, elevating the arrest from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony robbery, officials said.

A store employee and a customer helped detain Martinez until deputies arrived, officials said. The employees suffered minor injuries.

Martinez was being held Monday on suspicion of robbery in Ventura County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail, jail records showed.