A shoplifting suspect who viciously attacked a security officer outside an Aurora King Soopers has been taken into custody.
Police investigators will ask prosecutors to pursue an attempted first-degree murder charge in the case, Crystal McCoy, a police spokeswoman, said.
The suspect was identified Wednesday as 21-year-old Xavier Cardona of Aurora. He is also being investigated on suspicion of first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, felony menacing and misdemeanor theft.
FINAL UPDATE: Xavier Cardona, 08-10-98, of Aurora was arrested. Agents will be pursuing charges for Att 1st Deg Murder-Felony, 1st Deg Asslt-Felony, Agg Robbery-Felony, Felony Menacing & Theft-Misdemeanor. This case will be prosecuted in the . Ty to our community!
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
The security officer was punched in the face and kicked in the head after he was knocked unconscious. The security guard was working on the night of Oct. 6 at the store at East Mississippi Avenue and Chambers Road and stopped the attacker because he suspected he had been shoplifting.
A bystander chased off the assailant. The victim was hospitalized with serious body and head injuries.
Community groups came together to offer a $10,000 reward for information that led to an arrest. An employee of a business recognized the suspect and called in a tip, police said.
UPDATE: 📍Please Retweet👁🗨New pictures of the suspect! There is up to💰$10,000 in reward from ($5k) ($1k) ($2k) & the Aurora Reward Fund ($2k) for eligible tips. You can remain anonymous ☎️ 720-913-STOP. 📽️
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD)
An investigation is ongoing. Cardona will be prosecuted in the 18th Judicial District.
