Mishawaka Police searching for suspect accused of assaulting store clerk over face mask

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind.—Mishawaka Police are asking the public for help identifying a suspect who is accused of assaulting a 7-Eleven store clerk over the use of a face mask.

On May 13 around 9 a.m., a man walked into the 7-Eleven at 601 N. Main Street in Mishawaka without wearing a mask and attempted to purchase a cup of coffee.

The store clerk told the man that he couldn’t be served because he was not wearing a mask, at which point the man threw a cup of coffee on the store clerk and left, police said.

7-Eleven has signs posted that face masks are required while inside of the store due to health department and CDC guidelines. 

According to reports, the suspect returned to the store and was asked to leave but he then punched the clerk, knocking her to the ground.

The suspect then punched and kicked the clerk before leaving the store, police said.

Police describe the suspect as a light skin black male with small dreads. He is between 5’9” and 5’10” and weighs about 150 pounds. The suspect was wearing jeans with holes in them, a dark gray or black light coat with a hood on it and bight blue tennis shoes.

The suspect is believed to be between 20 and 25 years of age. 

Anyone with information regarding the suspect or the alleged aggravated assault can contact the Mishawaka Police Detective Bureau at 574-258-1684.