Two employees of an East Tampa supermarket were arrested for allegedly beating a patron. The man was accused of stealing a $1 bag of peanuts.

The incident took place on Tuesday, May 10th at the B & D Supermarket, 4015 E. Hillsborough Avenue, shortly after 3 p.m.

According to the police report, during the interview Darwin McNish (right), 28, stated that this was his first time going into the store and that he had gone in to purchase peanuts that were on sale 2 for $1.

“I went through the checkout line and paid for the peanuts with my EBT card. … I did not take the receipt from the cashier. I did not want the receipt. I walked out of the store,” he told police.

He stated that the first manager who confronted him outside began punching him in the face several times. He was also allegedly struck at least twice with the bicycle cable lock, he told police.

McNish was not arrested after police determined during their investigation that he had paid for the peanuts.

JOSE AYBAR … Store owner charged with battery

Police arrested store owner Jose Aybar, 48, and charged him with battery. He was also charged with obstructing or opposing a police officer.

Richard Meregildo, 34, identified as a Stock Clerk, was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.