Florida Gas Station Clerk Accused Man Of Stealing Can Of Beer, So Suspect Tried To Stab Him To Death, Police Say

An Arizona man in Florida for two weeks was arrested after he allegedly attacked a gas station clerk who accused him of stealing beer, police said.

Billy Joe Martin, 39, of Phoenix, faces charges of attempted felony murder, armed robbery, and burglary with assault or battery in connection with the Jan. 16 incident at a Mobil gas station in Miami.

According to an arrest report obtained by WTVJ, around 1 p.m., the clerk observed Martin on surveillance video allegedly shoplifting a can of beer by placing it in his pocket.

When the clerk approached Martin and asked him what he put in his pocket, the report states Martin allegedly began attacking the clerk, punching him and then repeatedly stabbing him in the arms, back and face.

The clerk fought Martin, who grabbed a pack of Newport cigarettes during the altercation, surveillance video allegedly shows.

Despite his injuries, the clerk was able to lock the store’s door with Martin still inside and then lock himself in the cashier’s box so he could call 911, WSVN reported.

Martin was being held in the Miami-Dade County jail.

He also faces a battery on a police officer charge in a separate case, according to WSVN.

The clerk is expected to survive.