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7-Eleven workers who beat thief in viral video now under investigation

August 7, 2023 | | Print Article

Fed-up store clerks celebrated for their actions against an alleged armed robber are now reportedly under investigation.

(Video: KCRA)

A recording of a late July incident at a California 7-Eleven went viral last week as spectators cheered on the convenience store employees who delivered the would-be thief a swift comeuppance. Now, the Stockton Police Department has confirmed that an assault investigation is underway and there remains the possibility that charges could be filed.

“It has been brought to our attention that a video of two 7-Eleven employees assaulting a robbery suspect has been circulating,” wrote the SPD in a Saturday release. “We are aware of the incident and the investigation is ongoing.”

As previously reported, while filling a large garbage can with merchandise behind the counter, the alleged thief could be heard threatening the employees that he would “pull my strap on your b*tch a**,” before one of them grabbed the suspect forcing him to the ground. At that point, another employee entered the frame wielding a large stick and proceeded to strike the restrained man as he wailed.

Details from the SPD release suggested that the suspect later sought medical attention, but had detailed the circumstances under which he had sustained his injuries.

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“On July 29, 2023, at 3:05 a.m., Officers responded to the area of Center St/Market St, to meet with Stockton Fire Dept who was with a male requesting medical aid and complained of pain to his leg and shoulder. The male did not know if he had been assaulted,” the statement explained. “The male was then transported to an area hospital to be treated for a complaint of pain.”

SPD continued, “At the time this was reported, Officers could not confirm if the male was a victim of an assault, or a suspect related to the series of robberies at the 7-Eleven.”

It had been noted that the incident wherein the employees doled out their own firm rebuke of the suspect had not been the first time that the same individual had allegedly stolen from their location. In fact, reports suggested that had been the third time within just a 24-hour period.

The video provided by a witness to the incident was sufficient for law enforcement to state regarding their investigation, “On Thursday August 3, 2023, thanks to the diligence of a witness recording the July 29 robbery and assault, the Stockton Police Department was able to combine the investigations of the suspected robberies and suspected assault.”

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Following the investigation, findings would be sent over to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office and, as KCRA noted, it would be up to them to determine whether any charges were warranted related to the actions taken by the store clerks.

As with the original video, word that the actions, regarded as self-defense by the public, were being investigated and could land the men in hot water sparked social media.

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Kevin Haggerty
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