A routine attempt to buy tobacco at a southeast Oklahoma City convenience store spiraled into violence last weekend, and now police are asking the public to help track down two women they say attacked the clerk behind the counter.
Investigators report that the confrontation started when the clerk refused to sell tobacco because the customers could not show valid identification. According to officers, the women responded by shoving and punching the employee, leaving her with visible injuries before leaving the scene.
As reported by KFOR, the incident happened March 28 at a store near Interstate 35 and SE 66th Street. Police later released surveillance stills, credited to the Oklahoma City Police Department, in hopes that someone in the community recognizes the suspects.
What police released
Authorities published several still frames that show two women investigators want to identify. As of now, police have not announced any arrests and have not publicly named suspects in the case. Officials say the clerk, who suffered visible injuries during the assault, is cooperating with the investigation.
Police are also stressing that anyone who spots the women should not confront them directly. Instead, officers are urging tipsters to pass information to law enforcement and let investigators handle any contact.
How to help
Anyone who recognizes the women or has information about the incident is asked to call Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers at (405) 235-7300 or submit a tip online through OKC Crime Stoppers. According to the Crime Stoppers site, tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward if their information leads to charges or an arrest.
As KFOR notes, investigators believe the incident stems from the refusal to sell tobacco without ID and are asking anyone who was in the area last Saturday to check any phone video or photos and contact Crime Stoppers if they captured or witnessed anything that might help the case.
