A suspect slashed a clerk working at a Santa Monica 7-Eleven store Tuesday after being ordered to leave for allegedly trying to steal merchandise.

The attack occurred just after 6 a.m. in the 1600 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, police said.

The suspect entered the store and tried to steal something, prompting a clerk to confront her and ask her to leave, according to Santa Monica Police Department Lt. Saul Rodriguez.

The suspect left, but returned and was confronted by the clerk a second time. That’s when the female pulled out a sharp object and sliced the victim, Rodriguez said.

The suspect fled south through an alley. She was described as white, 5 feet 2 inches tall with a thin build and short black hair. She was wearing gray sweat pants, a dark-gray T-shirt and a multi-colored hooded jacket.

The clerk was taken to a hospital for treatment of a non-life- threatening injury, Rodriguez said.

Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to call Santa Monica police investigators at (310) 458-8437 or (310) 458-8478.

During non-business hours, calls should be directed to the police communications center at (310) 458-8491.

–City News Service

>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!