An Inland Empire convenience store employee was punched several times in the face while trying to stop a transient woman who was taking items without paying, Redlands police said Thursday.
The confrontation happened Wednesday at the Shell gas station at 127 East Redlands Boulevard, just south of the 10 Freeway, when the woman walked in and allegedly stole chips and a fountain drink.
When the employee tried to intervene, police said the 38-year-old transient turned violent and punched him repeatedly…