Police are investigating an incident at a state liquor store in Pennsylvania that left one store employee injured. News sources report that the workplace injury occurred when a man who entered the premises pistol whipped a female clerk after robbing the store. Although video surveillance equipment captured footage of the alleged robber as he walked inside and pulled out a handgun, sources indicate that his identity is not yet known. Law enforcement officials are seeking assistance from the public in locating the robber.
According to sources, police are praising the woman’s behavior as the situation unfolded, commending her for her bravery in the face of danger. Police say that although the clerk complied with all of the demands the robber is believed to have made of her, he still felt the need to assault her before exiting the premises. After she was ordered to open the safe in the back of the store, she was ordered to the front to open one of the registers. The man removed some money and then forced the clerk to return to the back of the store. At that time, he hit the side of her head with his gun.
The incident happened at the Pa. Wine and Spirits store located on East 8th Avenue at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 14. Authorities have not disclosed how much money was removed from the store by the unidentified man, who was dressed all in black at the time of the incident.
The woman suffered a head injury and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. Because a non-employee who entered the premises could be found to be responsible for the losses she is suffering due to this incident, the clerk’s attorney may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the robber in her behalf. The attorney could also advise this employee regarding her possible entitlement to workers’ compensation, as the alleged assault occurred while she was at work.
Source: CBS Pittsburgh, “Liquor Store Employee Pistol Whipped By Robber“, Bob Allen, December 14, 2013