An Auburn man is behind bars after police say he assaulted a police officer outside a Wegman's.

Police say 21 year-old Galen Robert Sikes was running out of the Wegman's in Auburn with stolen merchandise when two officers attempted to apprehend him.

As one officer was chasing the suspect, Sikes turned around and hit the officer in the jaw with a plastic bag containing a two liter bottle of soda.

Police say the officers were then able to apprehend Sikes. He was charged with 2nd degree assault, 2nd degree petit larceny and resisting arrest.

Authorities say Sikes stole nearly $50 worth of food from Wegman's. The injured officer was treated at Auburn Memorial Hospital for swelling and soreness to his jaw and a sprained ankle. He is currently unable to work due to his injuries.