A shoplifting suspect who viciously attacked a security officer outside an Aurora King Soopers has been taken into custody.

Police investigators will ask prosecutors to pursue an attempted first-degree murder charge in the case, Crystal McCoy, a police spokeswoman, said.

The suspect was identified Wednesday as 21-year-old Xavier Cardona of Aurora. He is also being investigated on suspicion of first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, felony menacing and misdemeanor theft.

FINAL UPDATE: Xavier Cardona, 08-10-98, of Aurora was arrested. Agents will be pursuing charges for Att 1st Deg Murder-Felony, 1st Deg Asslt-Felony, Agg Robbery-Felony, Felony Menacing & Theft-Misdemeanor. This case will be prosecuted in the @DA18th. Ty to our community! pic.twitter.com/qUVLwmrxzd — Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) October 17, 2019

The security officer was punched in the face and kicked in the head after he was knocked unconscious. The security guard was working on the night of Oct. 6 at the store at East Mississippi Avenue and Chambers Road and stopped the attacker because he suspected he had been shoplifting.

A bystander chased off the assailant. The victim was hospitalized with serious body and head injuries.

Community groups came together to offer a $10,000 reward for information that led to an arrest. An employee of a business recognized the suspect and called in a tip, police said.

UPDATE: 📍Please Retweet👁‍🗨New pictures of the suspect! There is up to💰$10,000 in reward from @KingSoopersNews ($5k) @Privateofficer ($1k) @CrimeStoppersCO ($2k) & the Aurora Reward Fund ($2k) for eligible tips. You can remain anonymous ☎️ 720-913-STOP. 📽️https://t.co/ethVxWms0f pic.twitter.com/I48Lp9wZfu — Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) October 16, 2019

An investigation is ongoing. Cardona will be prosecuted in the 18th Judicial District.