Alex hides a package of filet mignon (priced at $20.00) under his jacket while still inside of the grocery store. A clerk at the store sees the activity and approaches Alex about the hidden filet. Alex, when told by the clerk to hand over the filet, punches the clerk in the stomach and causes him to fall down and suffer minor injuries. Alex then runs out of the store with the filet mignon. The police later apprehend Alex.

Based on these facts, should Alex be charged with petit theft (a.k.a. petit larceny), grand theft (a.k.a. grand larceny), or robbery? Why? Use offenses from the Code of VirginiaLinks to an external site. to determine the appropriate answer. Provide the citation or link to the statute or code that covers this offense in Virginia. What other criminal charges might be applicable to this fact pattern?

In preparing your response, consider the holding of the Virginia Supreme Court case of Mason v. Commonwealth, 200 Va. 253 (1958). Download Mason v. Commonwealth, 200 Va. 253 (1958)..