Man accused of beating Pompano Beach business owner during robbery

Melvin Wilder, 55, faces robbery, attempted murder charges

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – A man is facing robbery and attempted murder charges after beating a store owner in Pompano Beach earlier this week, deputies said.

According to the arrest report, Sayeda Haque was opening the Discount Beverage food store she owns with her husband Sunday when she was approached by Melvin Wilder.

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Broward Sheriff's Office deputies said Wilder, 55, followed the victim inside the store at 900 E. Atlantic Blvd. and told her that he was there to fix a beverage cooler.

The victim told deputies that he then punched her in her face and knocked her to the ground. She said Wilder, who was wearing construction boots, kicked and stomped on her face, head and stomach area until she almost lost consciousness.

According to the report, Wilder told the victim not to move or he would kill her. Deputies said he stole a bank envelope containing $300 that was behind the counter.

Deputies said he also stole several pack of cigarettes, 14 selfie sticks and $60 in cash from inside the victim's purse.

Deputies said he then fled through the store's back door.

The victim was taken to Broward Health Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.

According to the report, a nearby business was burglarized the day before the attack. In that case, deputies said Melvin stole $400 from a lock box inside the business. He was arrested on charges of burglary, grand larceny and violation of probation.

Deputies said both incidents were captured on surveillance video.

Wilder was arrested after Haque identified him to detectives in a photo lineup.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.