WOODLAND, Calif. — A shoplifting allegation at a Davis grocery store came before Yolo County Superior Court on Wednesday as a felony robbery case, with the defense arguing the facts described in the probable cause declaration do not support a violent robbery charge.
The accused was arraigned July 2 before Judge Danette C. Brown on one felony count of second-degree robbery, one felony count of petty theft with two prior convictions and an enhancement for circumstances in aggravation. The accused pleaded not guilty to all counts and denied the enhancement.
Deputy Public Defender Sarah MacDonald told the court the probable cause declaration described conduct that was closer to a theft than a violent crime. Reading from the declaration, DPD MacDonald said the incident appeared to involve the accused throwing items back toward a loss prevention officer, rather than using force to take property. Under California law, robbery requires the use of force or fear to take property from another person…