According to Marietta Police, this past weekend a theft at Wal-Mart turned into an assault and attempted escape by two men from West Virginia.

22-year-old Matthew Lambert, of St. Marys, was caught shoplifting sheets and pillow cases. When a Wal-Mart employee attempted to detain Lambert, he responded by punching the employee, knocking them to the ground. Lambert’s accomplice, 21-year-old Alex Dunn, of Williamstown, then attempted to drive Lambert from the scene of the crime.

Marietta Police were able to apprehend both men nearby and the merchandise was recovered. Lambert was charged with robbery, Dunn for complicity to the robbery. Both were taken to jail.