Man arrested in beer-theft case

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of petty theft after a four-pack of beer was stolen from a Laguna Beach store Sunday, police said.

San Rafael resident David Patrice Thomas was taken into custody in connection with the theft from Whole Foods market at 283 Broadway St., Sgt. Louise Callus wrote in an email.

Police said a clerk denied service to Thomas because he refused to show identification.

The employee confiscated the beer, but Thomas returned to take another four-pack and left the store, Callus said.

A store employee witnessed the theft and called police, and he and a coworker followed Thomas while speaking with dispatchers, she said.

Police met the employees and Thomas, who had a prior arrest on suspicion of petty theft, near the Coffee Pub on Forest Avenue, Callus said.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce