A gas station attendant says he was assaulted by a customer after refusing to sell alcohol to the man who lacked proper identification.
According to reports, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 shortly before 11pm, Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to The Lucky Stop gas station on Plateau Road.
The victim said the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Edward Rafael Avila, entered the store and attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage but did not have a valid government issued identification so the clerk refused to sell it to the man. The clerk said Avila left the store and attempted to leave with the gas pump still in the vehicle he was driving. The attendant confronted the suspect and took a picture of the vehicle’s license plate in order to report the incident. Avila reportedly exited the vehicle, pushed the clerk to the ground and kicked him in the abdomen and head. Avila allegedly demanded the store clerk give up his phone and took the victim’s keys from him.
Deputies spotted the suspect’s vehicle at 7Eleven on 127 South in Crossville. Avila reportedly had the victim’s keys in his possession.
Avila was transported to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and booked into jail. He is charged with Theft and Assault and is due in General Sessions Court on October 21, 2024.