Suspected shoplifter assaulted Iowa City grocery employee, police say

An Iowa City woman was arrested Saturday after assaulting an Iowa City Hy-Vee employee who had confronted her for suspected shoplifting, police said.

According to a police report, an employee observed Jamie L. Hunt, 26, of 1100 Arthur St., placing a container of baby formula in her purse at Hy-Vee, 812 S. First Ave., just before 7 p.m. Saturday.

The employee followed Hunt outside and confronted her at her car. Police said Hunt was with a male subject, and the employee attempted to prevent them from leaving when she assaulted him, gouging the employee's right eye, according to the police report.

It was noted the items taken were baby formula and a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey, police said.

A Hy-Vee representative said Tuesday the store employee was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released.

Hunt, who was released on her own recognizance, is charged with aggravated theft, an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.