Falls Township, Pennsylvania – A homeless man was apprehended by Falls Township police late Saturday night following a violent assault and robbery at a local 7-Eleven store. Officers responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the convenience store situated at the intersection of Trenton Road and North Oxford Valley Road around 10:17 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found the store clerk in a distressed state, with language barriers hindering effective communication. The clerk, visibly shaken and injured, awaited the owner’s arrival for translation assistance, as recounted by the police at the scene. The clerk identified the alleged assailant as 46-year-old Rafael Perez, who initially entered the store seeking help with a case of water.
After being helped with the water, Perez reportedly locked the clerk inside the store with him and proceeded to assault her with a mop handle, delivering punches and jabs to her stomach and head. Surveillance footage reviewed later captured Perez dragging the clerk around the store before taking her to the back where the assault continued.
Authorities noted a significant disparity in size between the clerk, approximately 5-foot-3 and under 110 pounds, and Perez, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 155 pounds. Perez returned to the scene while officers were still present and was subsequently taken into custody. The victim and witnesses positively identified Perez as the perpetrator of the violent attack.
In the aftermath of the incident, significant damage amounting to over $500 was reported throughout the store. It is essential to note that all individuals arrested or charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty, as confirmed by court documents. The store owner estimated the financial toll of the damages inflicted by Perez during the assault.
The grievous incident sheds light on the vulnerability of essential workers and the potential dangers they face while providing indispensable services to their communities. The swift apprehension of the suspect highlights the dedication of law enforcement in ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes, underscoring the importance of a swift and effective response to ensure public safety.