Police: 14-year-old robber attacks Dallas store clerk, attempts to rape her
Dallas police arrested a 14-year-old boy accused of trying to rape a jewelry store employee during a robbery.
Surveillance video captured when the young robber threatening the woman with a knife. Police say the woman pleaded with him not to hurt her and was eventually able to get him to take the money and the register and leave.
The robbery at the $1 Jewelry Galore shop in Pleasant Grove happened Tuesday around 11 a.m.
Manager Laura Gonzalez can't help but look over her shoulder after the other clerk was ambushed while alone inside the store.
“I have to take every precaution I can to feel safe but you can't feel safe,” said Gonzalez.
Surveillance video shows the robber step in through an open door.
“She was fixing jewelry,” said Gonzalez, “He came up from behind and just attacked her.”
Video shows the 14-year-old walk down the aisle and turn a corner before pulling a large knife out of his front hoodie pocket. He rushes up behind the clerk, grabs her neck and knocks her to the ground. At one point, he crouches down with her.
Gonzalez says the victim later told her she felt like she couldn't move.
“He's holding on to her hands, asking her to take off her pants and go to the back with him,” said Gonzalez. “He keeps saying that over and over.”
Dallas police say the suspect tried to sexually assault the clerk. She pleaded with him and offered money in the register. The 14-year-old told the clerk he didn't want it, but eventually took the cash then calmly walks out.
Officers later found the suspect walking with a BB gun in his hand. Police say there was a second BB gun in his backpack along with cash, a knife and a roll of duct tape.
“It's scary because he's so young to be doing what he's doing already,” said Gonzalez. “It's sad.”
Gonzalez says she is relieved the young attacker was caught and hopes knowledge of the arrest will help the survivor in her healing.
“I know she'll get through it because she's a strong, strong girl and I'm here for her,” said Gonzalez
Gonzalez says the clerk could not bring herself to come back to work and likely won't return. The 14-year-old suspect faces aggravated robbery and attempted sexual assault charges.