Police have issued arrest warrants for two Jackson residents accused of stealing power tools from a Clark hardware store and assaulting an employee who tried to stop them.

Clark police said officers responded to Ace Hardware at 26 Westfield Ave. around 1:08 p.m. May 26 for a reported shoplifting incident. Police said the suspects fled toward Rahway in a black Jeep SUV with New Jersey license plates before officers arrived.

Investigators said Michael D. Ritz, 32, and Brielle M. Winston, 28, entered the store, filled a shopping cart with power tools and left without paying after the items were rung up at the checkout counter.

Police said a female store employee followed them into the parking lot, where Winston allegedly punched her in the face and throat, causing minor injuries.

Ritz was charged with shoplifting. Winston was charged with shoplifting, robbery and aggravated assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clark Police Department.