A Covina man was arrested Sunday (February 14) after he reportedly threatened a Walmart clerk who was trying to stop him from shoplifting. Deputies say that about 3:15 p.m., Gregory Pelle, 36, put multiple items in a shopping cart and then went to the self-check-out counter at the Yucca Valley Walmart. Pelle allegedly put a jacket and sweater in bags and paid only for candy bars and a drink. When Pelle tried to leave the store with the unpaid-for merchandise, an employee grabbed the shopping cart and said Pelle was not allowed to take the items with him. Pelle grabbed the shopping bags, threatened the employee, and left the store. Deputies located Pelle shortly afterwards; Pelle was wearing the stolen sweater and carrying a bag with more stolen items in it. Gregory Pelle was arrested on suspicion of strong-arm robbery, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $100,000.
