(WNY News Now) – A robbery at a Dunkirk grocery store led to the arrest of a local man after he fought with staff while attempting to steal merchandise.

Dunkirk, N.Y. – On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Dunkirk Police responded to a robbery in progress at the Save-A-Lot store on East 4th Street. The call came in at approximately 5:02 PM, reporting a shoplifter physically fighting with store employees.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers learned that the suspect, identified as 48-year-old James P. Tilley of Dunkirk, had fled on foot. Officers quickly located Tilley nearby and took him into custody. Investigations revealed that Tilley had tried to steal items from the store and, when confronted by staff, engaged in a physical altercation, using force to steal the merchandise. The incident left store employees with minor injuries.

Tilley was taken to the Dunkirk Police Department headquarters, where he was processed and charged with third-degree robbery, a D felony, and second-degree harassment, a violation. After his arraignment, Tilley was released on his own recognizance. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.