man sentenced for big lots robbery

A Bakersfield man faces up to five years in prison after being convicted of robbing a Big Lots and spraying mace at two people, an employee and a security guard.

On Tuesday, a jury found Victor Perez guilty of second-degree robbery and of using tear gas on two victims, resisting arrest, and giving a false name to a peace officer.

The verdict follows an incident in September 2024 where Perez assaulted his victims after stealing a shopping cart full of items from the store on Olive Drive.

Perez has numerous prior misdemeanor convictions.