A simple candy bar theft escalated into a felony robbery Wednesday when a Landers man allegedly grabbed the arm of a gas station employee who was attempting to call 911. According to the sheriff’s department, Eriberto Zapien, 32, went to the Chevron station on the 57200 block of Highway 62 about 10:15 a.m., picked up a candy bar and other snacks and was attempting to leave when the clerk began dialing 911. Zapien grabbed the clerk’s arm to stop the call, deputies said, and fled. Deputies detained him after a brief foot pursuit. Eriberto Zapien was arrested for investigation of strong armed robbery and booked into Morongo Basin Jail with bail set at $100,000.
