Accused shoplifter head-butts Wal-Mart employee in Ukiah

A man caught shoplifting at Wal-Mart on Wednesday allegedly head-butted an employee who was escorting him out of the store, the Ukiah Police Department reported.

The incident began when the employee saw James Jenkins - who was suspected of stealing from the store previously - place a watch in his pocket, police said. The employee confronted Jenkins, who returned the watch.

While the employee was escorting Jenkins out of the store, the door alarm sounded, indicating Jenkins possessed additional stolen property. Jenkins produced a pair of sunglasses, then abruptly head-butted the employee, police said.

Wal-Mart employees held Jenkins, but let him go before police arrived. Police located the 30-year-old man asleep on a strip of grass near Wal-Mart. He was arrested on suspicion of battery and probation violation.