Man assaulted security officer at Neshaminy Mall
Bensalem PA March 7 2021 A Middletown man sent a loss prevention officer to the hospital after he assaulted him while trying to steal from a store in the Neshaminy Mall on Tuesday afternoon, according to police.
Bensalem police said Christopher Joseph Anselmi, 35, was stealing from the Boscov’s when he hit the officer in the head with a cellphone.
The officer was bleeding heavily from his face and had to be taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital to get stitches.
Anselmi is charged with robbery, which is a felony, as well as misdemeanor offenses of retail theft, simple assault, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Arraigning District Judge Michael Petrucci set bail for Anselmi at 10% of $150,000, which he was not able to post as of Wednesday.
According to Anselmi’s criminal complaint, he left the Boscov’s with roughly $240 in merchandise on him and in his bag, when the officer tried to stop him about 4:20 p.m.
Anselmi turned around and struck the officer in the head with his phone, causing a gash that bled heavily, charging documents allege.
He then fled, however other loss prevention officers were able to take him into custody before police arrived, according to officials.
The loss prevention officer who was struck by Anselmi received stitches above his left eye, police said.
Another loss prevention officer suffered scrapes to his knee while struggling with Anselmi, charging documents state.
A Bensalem police officer found items from the store on Anselmi, as well as suspected drugs, according to police allegations.
Anselmi was also wanted for failing to appear in court on drug charges, his complaint states. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 10. He did not have an attorney listed Wednesday.
