Tip theft becomes assault with deadly weapon at Heirloom

File photo

Fresno police responded to a man stealing tip jars from Heirloom, and it escalated to an assault with a deadly weapon.

File photo

A man attempted to take off with two tip jars from a Fresno restaurant, and it ended with him being booked for assault with a deadly weapon after a struggle with officers, police said.

Officers responded to a report of a man stealing tips from Heirloom around 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Fresno Police Department.

While responding to the scene, officers learned that the suspect was armed with a screwdriver.

The victim, an employee, said the suspect stole two tip jars before attempting to leave. The victim then grabbed the suspect’s shirt and told him to drop the money.

A struggle ensued, and the suspect raised the screwdriver above his head and made a stabbing gesture toward the victim’s shoulder, police said.

The screwdriver slipped out of the suspect’s hand and scratched the victim’s shoulder.

The suspect — identified as Lawrence Oliver Cuff, 38 — left the scene, but officers made contact with him near the Friant underpass.

Cuff was combative, swinging at officers and attempting to take gear from their vests, police said.

Officers Tased Cuff multiple times to no avail, and he ran to a shopping center at Nees and Blackstone avenues, which was hosting a weekly farmers market. Eventually, Cuff was detained.

According to Fresno County Jail records, Cuff was booked on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, obstructing a police officer and deterring an officer with threats or violence. Additionally, he faces charges of violating parole and failing to register as a sex offender.

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