Police in Colorado Springs arrested a man after they say he walked into a downtown shop on Monday afternoon, tried on a dress and then strangled a clerk before store patrons came to her aid.
Thomas Bittner, 37, is being held at the El Paso County jail in lieu of a total of $12,000 bond in the incident. He was arrested on suspicion of several charges including false imprisonment and assault.
Officers were called to the store, which authorities did not identify, at about 2 p.m. after Bittner’s alleged attack.
Police say they learned Bittner walked into the store, asked if he could try on a dress and then did.
“He walked out of the dressing room and ran into the employee restroom,” police said. “A clerk went after him and advised it was an employee only area.”
Authorities say Bittner then reached around the door and dragged the clerk into the restroom, pulling her onto the ground and choking her.
“A female customer came to the clerk’s aid and started punching Bittner so the clerk could get away,” police said. “The clerk got away and called 911. A male who had come into the store blocked the door containing the suspect.”
Police say Bittner was arrested by responding officers.
The clerk sustained minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital, according to police.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or
