Store clerk tried to kill customer over price of six-pack: prosecutors – CWB Chicago
A convenience store employee allegedly attacked a 64-year-old customer over the price of beer, striking him with the six-pack, repeatedly beating him and apparently stabbing him with a screwdriver, prosecutors say.
Qvon Turner, 25, was working the register at a store in the 1100 block of North Ashland Avenue on the evening of September 21 when the customer disputed the price of the beer, which he believed cost about $11, according to prosecutors. The two argued for about 20 seconds before the customer requested a refund. Turner refused, grabbed the six-pack and allegedly slammed it into the right side of the man’s face.
The customer backed toward the front door, but Turner allegedly came around the counter while pulling an item from his pocket. Prosecutors said he took the man to the ground and climbed on top of him. As the victim lay on his back, using his hands to shield his face, Turner struck him repeatedly, leaving him “severely bleeding,” according to prosecutors. Turner then pulled out a long, thin metal object and made stabbing motions toward the man’s eyes and ears as the victim tried to protect his face and drag himself toward the exit.
Turner allegedly grabbed the victim and pulled him back from the exit. The man managed to get up and tried to leave again, but Turner followed him, grabbed him and continued striking him as he forced him toward the back of the store, prosecutors said. There, Turner allegedly “curb stomped” the victim before the man managed to get up and escape, prosecutors said.
Turner then began mopping up the blood, according to prosecutors.
When officers arrived, Turner admitted striking the customer with the six-pack, authorities said. But when investigators reviewed store surveillance footage, it told a different story. Officers also recovered a flathead screwdriver and brass knuckles from Turner’s pants pockets, according to the allegations.
The victim was admitted to the trauma care unit of a nearby hospital with a skull fracture and other injuries, including 10 to 15 small lacerations around his neck, ears and nose. He required multiple stitches and staples.
Turner, who has no other adult criminal cases in Cook County, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a victim older than 60. Judge James Costello granted the state’s petition to detain Turner pending trial.
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