LAKE ELSINORE - A Lake Elsinore man was arrested on suspicion of stealing from a gas station convenience store, authorities said today.

The suspects attempted to leave the am/pm store at an Arco gas station in the 16800 block of Lakeshore Drive at about 5 p.m. Sunday without paying for various goods concealed on their persons, said Lake Elsinore police Sgt. Ken Chaffin.

"When confronted, a physical altercation ensued between the store clerk and one of the suspects," he said. The suspects fled before officers arrived.

Moments later, officers located and detained a suspect identified as the one who had assaulted the clerk, Chaffin said. He was identified as Tommie Lee Nelson, 20, of Lake Elsinore.

Two juveniles were seen running away from the store, he said.