GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- A Gwinnett County store clerk faces simple battery charges after allegedly punching a customer in the face. The customer told Channel 2 Action News reporter Eric Philips that the attack started when he challenged the clerk about the price of an item.
Gregory Rice said he brought up the fact he’d seen a car thermostat at another store for less because he thought the store may match the price. But after telling the clerk he saw it cheaper, he said he got more than he bargained for.
Rice said he went to the Snellville AutoZone Sunday to look for a car part. He said their price was more than the price he saw at Pep Boys, so he told the clerk.
"I told the guy, I said, 'Hey, over at Pep Boys they have it for cheaper.' He exploded on me. (He said) 'Oh you're a cheapskate,'" said Rice.
Rice said he began explaining the situation to the manager.
"So me and the (manager) were talking and I guess he was listening and I was telling the (manager) what happened and I guess he didn't like what I said and he just hit me in the face," said Rice.
He said the clerk pushed him into shelves. Rice said he still has scratches from the incident.
According to the police report, the two men began fighting in the store until they were broken up.
"I want the guy to be prosecuted really. He shouldn't be able to punch people like that," said Rice.
Rice filed an application for an arrest warrant in magistrate court. Charges are pending against the clerk, identified as Donavon Rolin. A court date has been set for July 14.
"I'm really looking forward to the 14th (to find out) what's his defense, why do you feel I ruffled your feathers that bad that you've got to hit me in my face like that," said Rice.
Philips was told that Rolin no longer works for AutoZone but the company would not confirm that. AutoZone chose not to comment on the incident. Philips was unable to contact Rolin.
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