A liquor store on Riverdale Avenue has been targeted by shoplifters in the past, but when the same suspects allegedly came back for more, a salesperson at J.J. Vineyards decided to fight back.

The merchant says he immediately recognized the two suspects as the same teens who stole a bottle of Jack Daniels and two other bottles of liquor the first week of February.

When the suspected shoplifters returned Feb. 20, the salesperson says he quickly locked the door and called 911. That is when one of the teens allegedly attacked the man, lashing at his eyes and head. The suspects were able to get the keys from the clerk's pocket and flee before police arrived.

Several other nearby businesses were targeted last month, including Grace's Cleaners that was broken into Feb. 18. That same day, a window was shattered at a corner pizza parlor. Police have not confirmed if the incidents are related.