Officers arrested a man after he assaulted a gas station clerk with a flashlight early Thursday morning.
Police were called to a gas station in the 600 block of Denny Way just after 2 a.m. where an employee told officers that he was working the register when the 32-year-old suspect entered the store with a woman. The suspect attempted to purchase alcohol with a card that was declined multiple times. The suspect and woman began arguing about money until they were asked to leave the store by the attendant. The two left only for the suspect to return moments later. The suspect punched the clerk in the chest and then grabbed him by the collar and dragged the victim outside. Once outside, the suspect continued assaulting the victim and struck him in the head with a metal object. The suspect then walked away from the scene.
Responding officers found the suspect just two blocks away and were able to take him into custody without incident. Officers searched the suspect and found a metal flashlight they believe was used to assault the victim. They also located a small amount of methamphetamine during the search.
Seattle fire department medics transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of a laceration to the head.
Officers booked the suspect into King County Jail for investigation of assault as well as drug charges.