Falls Township, Pennsylvania – A homeless man was taken into custody late Saturday night following a violent attack and robbery at a local 7-Eleven store, as reported by Falls Township police.
Law enforcement responded to a call reporting a robbery in progress at the convenience store situated at the intersection of Trenton Road and North Oxford Valley Road around 10:17 p.m. The store clerk, who had difficulty communicating in English, was, unfortunately, at the mercy of the alleged assailant until the arrival of the store owner to facilitate translation.
Upon arrival, officers found the clerk visibly distressed, with injuries on her face, stating that 46-year-old Rafael Perez, requested help with a case of water before trapping her inside the store and unleashing a brutal assault on her with a mop handle. The clerk, a petite woman weighing under 110 pounds, found herself at the mercy of the alleged attacker, a significantly larger individual standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 155 pounds.
Surveillance footage showed Perez dragging the clerk around the store and subjecting her to further violence in the backroom, causing considerable damage to the store. The total estimated damage amounted to over $500, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of store employees faced with such harrowing incidents.
Perez was identified by the victim and witnesses present at the scene, leading to his apprehension by authorities. The aftermath of the attack left the store owner to grapple with the aftermath of the violence inflicted on his establishment. It is essential to note that all individuals involved in criminal incidents remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, a point underscored by the presumption of innocence.
Ensuring the safety and security of retail workers and employees remains a pressing concern, highlighting the need for appropriate measures to protect vulnerable individuals within the community from such senseless acts of violence. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by store employees and the importance of a swift and judicious response to such criminal acts.