CHELSEA — A thief attacked the owner of a porn shop after he got caught trying to steal a pair of lacy underwear, police said.
Pedro Vazquez, 30, strolled into 725 Video, located at 725 Sixth Ave. between West 23rd and West 24th streets, shortly after 6 a.m. on April 9 — the day after his birthday — and tried to stuff a pair of Hauty brand underwear down his pants, police said.
The store’s owner noticed Vazquez’s lacy larceny attempt and tried to stop him, but Vazquez punched the employee in the face and tried to flee, according to a criminal complaint.
The owner, bleeding from the face thanks to the blow from Vazquez, flagged down a passing police officer, who called for backup, according to authorities.
As officers made the arrest about a block away from the scene of the crime, Vazquez tried to wriggle away, but police subdued him, police said.
After putting Vazquez in handcuffs, officers found a pair of brass knuckles in his pocket, according to a police report.
Vazquez’s criminal history includes a 2012 conviction for assault in New Jersey, according to a criminal complaint.
Prosecutors charged Vazquez with robbery and possession of a weapon, and a judge released him on $2,000 bail, according to court records.
A lawyer for Vazquez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
An employee at the store declined to comment.
