SAN DIEGO -- A man suspected of beating a replacement worker with a baseball bat denies being involved.

Formal charges against Simon Jose Thompson, (pictured, left), 33, and Charles Matthew Olvera, 27, are pending, said Paul Levikow of the District Attorney's Office. Both are being held at the South Bay Detention Facility on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit a crime.

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Hear Alleged Assaulter Deny Beating Replacement Worker

The 27-year-old replacement stock worker was attacked after leaving work at Ralphs on East Palomar Street in Chula Vista, according to a police report.

Two striking employees of the same Ralphs apparently chased the replacement worker and used a vehicle to block his car on the Main Street onramp to northbound Interstate 805 at about 1:50 a.m. Friday.

The replacement worker was struck in the face and chest with a baseball bat, and the rear window of his car was broken out before the attackers sped away.

Thompson and Olvera were arrested a short time later by California Highway Patrol investigators.

"The individuals cornered the individual off of Main Street on the I-805 on-ramp and apparently attacked the individual with a baseball bat," said, Mark Gregg of the CHP.

The victim, whose name was not immediately released, initially refused medical treatment, but later checked himself into a hospital, said Gregg.

He may have to undergo facial reconstructive surgery, Gregg added.

However, Thompson told 10News he did not commit the crime. He said when the alleged attack occurred, he was walking the picket lines at the Chula Vista Ralphs.

"Everyone (saw) me picketing. I never left the parking lot," Thompson told 10News.

Another picketer told 10News that Thompson was not involved with the attack.

"I do know Simon was not involved with the attack, at all. He was here picketing with us," said the picketer.

Thompson believes it is a case of mistaken identity. He drives a red car and the victim described a red car physically blocking the entrance to the freeway.

"I am scared because I can lose my job. I can be locked up for years -- I don't know how long," Thompson told 10News.

Meanwhile, the supermarket strike enters its 11th day.

According to 10News, leaders of the striking grocery union are quoted as saying they are ready to get back to the bargaining table with supermarkets and a federal negotiator.