Frederick man accused of biting, punching Sears employee

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Authorities say a Frederick man bit and punched a Sears employee after stealing a $300 leaf blower.

The Frederick News-Post reports 51-year-old Mark E. Permenter faces theft and assault charges related to a Tuesday incident at the Sears on Buckeystown Pike.

According to court records, Permenter was accused by a store employee of stealing a leaf blower.

Authorities say Permenter assaulted the employee and that a nearby woman, later identified as 57-year-old Rhonda McGlaughlin-Camplair, exited a vehicle and also assaulted the employee. The employee told deputies that she appeared to be driving Permenter's getaway vehicle.

Permenter and McGlaughlin-Camplair were arrested and charged with assault and theft.

Permenter is in custody on $85,000 bail. McGlaughlin-Camplair was released Tuesday on $5,000 bail. It was not immediately clear if either has hired an attorney.