Santa Ana police on Tuesday released surveillance video in their search for a man who assaulted a clerk and trashed a 7-Eleven in Santa Ana after being denied both the use of the clerk’s cellphone and an after-hours purchase of beer.
Police released this image of a man sought in connection with an assault and vandalism at a 7-Eleven in Santa Ana.
The incident occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 1020 S. Bristol St., about 2:36 a.m. Aug. 25. It began when the suspect entered the convenience store several times, asking to use the phone, according to a Santa Ana Police Department news release.
The store manager told KTLA the man demanded to use the clerk’s personal cellphone. He then left and returned, demanding to buy beer after 2 a.m. California law prohibits alcohol sales between 2 and 6 a.m.
“It was 2:30 in the morning and they were following the rules of the state,” police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. “The rest you see is the result of his tantrum.”
The clerk told the man he would call police if he didn’t leave, store manager Rajev Tendon said. But the man “became destructive” and assaulted the clerk, according to the release.
Surveillance video from inside the store then showed the man shoving items off the counter near the cashier, before apparently exiting the business. The clerk stands on the counter, holding a long object; Tendon said the clerk was trying to defend himself.
The footage cuts out, and then shows the man smashing and destroying the storefront’s glass windows and doors.
The man’s assault of the clerk occurred off camera, Bertagna said. The clerk didn’t want to return to work, Tendon said.
The vandalism caused approximately $2,000 worth of damage to the 7-Eleven, police said.
Anyone who knows who the assailant is, or has information about the case, is asked to contact Investigative Specialist L. Delisle at 714-245-8647 or ldelisle@santa-ana.org. Those who would like to remain anonymous can contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.
KTLA’s Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.