Falls Township, Pennsylvania – A homeless man was taken into custody after a violent assault and robbery at a local 7-Eleven store late on Saturday night, as reported by Falls Township police.
Upon receiving reports of a robbery in progress at the store situated at the intersection of Trenton Road and North Oxford Valley Road around 10:17 p.m., officers responded to the scene. The store clerk, who had difficulty communicating in English, was encountered by the police upon arrival, prompting a wait for the store owner to arrive and assist with translation.
The clerk was found in distress, with visible injuries on her face, as mentioned by the police. She identified the suspect as 46-year-old Rafael Perez, who had entered the store initially seeking help with a case of water.
After the clerk assisted Perez with the water, he proceeded to lock her inside the store with him, according to the police. Subsequently, Perez assaulted her using a mop handle, punching her multiple times. The assault escalated as he jabbed her with the mop handle and struck her head with a mop bucket, stated the authorities.
Surveillance footage from the store captured Perez dragging the clerk around before continuing the assault in the back of the store, said law enforcement. Perez was apprehended at the scene by officers conducting their investigation.
Positively identified by the victim and witnesses present, Perez faces charges related to the attack. The incident resulted in significant damage to the store, estimated to be over $500 by the owner, according to police reports.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to remember that all individuals facing charges are deemed innocent until proven otherwise. Updates on the case may follow as more information becomes available.