Cops: Clerk locks repeat shoplifter into store

A shoplifter who stole potato chips from a Riverside convenience store late Thursday was arrested after he returned a few minutes later for a beverage and the "prepared" clerk locked him in and called 911, police said.

Southampton Town police detectives found Ollie James Booker, 49, of Riverhead, "kicking and punching the glass entry door in attempts to get out," of the Shell Gas & Convenience Store, 9 Lake Ave., police said in a Friday news release.

"When the clerk opened the door for police the intoxicated subject continued hitting and fighting" with the detectives, Southampton Town police said.

Booker was charged with three misdemeanors -- petit larceny, resisting arrest and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, police said. He was held overnight and arraigned Friday at Southampton Justice Court. He was being held on $2,500 bail.

Booker entered the store at about 11:20 p.m. and stuffed a can of potato chips under his shirt and left, police said.

A few minutes later, he returned to the store and took a 24-ounce can of beer worth $2 and "ran for the exit," police said.

"This time the clerk was prepared," police said. "He locked the door to detain the criminal and called 911."

Detectives arrived "within minutes" and found Booker locked inside the store, police said.