Crime & Safety

7-Eleven Attack Suspects Plead Guilty, Pay Fines

Hazel Park man and St. Clair Shores woman arrested in early Thursday morning fight with convenience store clerk.

The man and woman Ferndale Police arrested early Thursday morning after they allegedly attacked a clerk at  pleaded guilty to assault and battery charges Thursday afternoon, paid $250 fines and were released.

David Downing, of Hazel Park, and Amanda Champagne, of St. Clair Shores, and a third person entered 7-Eleven on the corner of Nine Mile and Hilton roads at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Ferndale Detective Lt. William Wilson said in a statement. "One of the customers acted unruly and began yelling threats to the store clerk," Wilson said. "Downing then attacked the clerk and punched at him."

Wilson said the clerk fought back, overcoming his attacker by wrestling him to the ground.

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"After the clerk separated from the assailant, the female he came in with (Champagne) followed the clerk behind the store counter, yelled at him, then struck him," Wilson said.

Wilson said Downing went behind the counter and began to attack the clerk again. The clerk continued to fight back until police arrived.

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Downing and Champagne were then arrested on charges of assault and battery. They paid fines of $250 each and were released.

"The clerk suffered a cut on his hand but is otherwise fine," Wilson said.


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