Kohl’s Store Employee Assaulted

A Columbia man is behind bars after choking and pulling a knife on a store employee.According to police, 26-year-old Jeffrey Davis was shopping at the Kohls Department Store Monday around 1 p.m. A loss prevention employee noticed Davis take three pairs of shorts into a changing room, then leave without the items. The employee checked the dressing room and found only the hangers to the shorts inside.As Davis was leaving the store, the employee identified himself as a loss prevention agent and asked Davis to re-enter the store. Officers say Davis attempted to flee and when the store employee tried to stop him, Davis grabbed the employee around the throat.Police say Davis let go of the employee’s throat and pulled out a knife, telling him, “I’ve got a knife, let me go!” The employee was able to subdue Davis until off-duty officers arrive to help.Davis was arrested on charges of armed criminal action, first degree robbery and second degree assault. He remains in the Boone County Jail with no bond set.