An Eastbourne man arrested after allegedly stealing alcohol from the BP service station in South Road, Hailsham, and carrying a spanner is to appear in court.
Stuart Black, 28, unemployed, of Etchingham Road, Eastbourne, has been charged with two counts of theft from a shop and possessing an offensive weapon.
Following an incident shortly after 12.30pm on Friday 19 July, Black has been bailed to appear before magistrates in Hastings on Wednesday 7 August.
Anyone who saw or heard anything of what happened is asked to contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 637 of 19/07.
Alternatively, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.
