A 60-year-old store clerk succumbed to his injuries after he was brutally beaten by a suspect who was trying to steal beer. According to CBS News, Yowhannes Tewolde was trying to stop the thief from leaving with the items when the suspect struck him with a baseball bat he took away from the victim’s possession.
The August 24 incident happened at the Richmond Market, which is where the deceased man worked. Police said they responded to the scene after receiving a report of a robbery and aggravated assault.
The victim’s daughter, Meron Tewolde, said an individual initially stole water from the store while his father was on duty. She said her father then tried to stop the alleged thief after he attempted to steal beer.
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A witness told police that Yowhannes was holding a bat when the alleged thief attacked him. The suspect is said to have taken the bat from Yowhannes and hit him with it before fleeing the scene.
“[He is a] loyal, trustworthy person. He treated that store like it was his. It makes no sense why he would try to stop the guy. If that was me, I would have let him steal whatever he wanted to steal. But my dad has such honor,” Meron said.
Police said Yowhannes suffered significant injuries and was taken to the hospital. Meron said his father succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. “The neighbors … the neighbors heard something going on. When came, called 911, was there holding his hand until he got to the hospital,” Meron said.
The deceased man’s daughter also paid tribute to him. “So much. Who works seven days a week when you don’t need to work? He just got out of surgery. I told him not to work, I have a job, I can support them. He put me through college, so I can help them out,” Meron said. “He still works, and then this happens. This makes no sense.”
Police said they’re yet to make arrests. A GoFundMe has also been set up to help raise funds for the victim’s family.
