Florida man wanted for hitting store clerk who refused to sell beer

TAMPA – A Florida man is wanted after he was caught on camera punching a 63-year-old store clerk who refused to sell him beer.

Tampa police released video of the incident that occurred inside a Marathon gas station early Sunday morning.

In the video, the suspect attempts to buy beer at 3:30 a.m., but is told by the clerk, David Miller, that there are no alcohol sales after 3 a.m.

The customer begins arguing with Miller before punching him the face and then walking out of the store.

Miller suffered a bruised eye from the punch.

Police are searching for the unidentified customer.

Help detectives identify battery suspect

#UPDATE Arrest made in this case. Chance W Smith 3/4/93 turned himself in to detectives last night. He was arrested and charged with battery. Incident Date/Time: 7/1/2018 at 3:30 AM Location: 1239 E. Kennedy Blvd Incident Type: Battery Business Name: Marathon Gas Station Victim Info: Miller, David; DOB 10/3/1954 Suspect Info: w/m 25 years of age +/- 3 years, 5’10” +/- 2”, thin moustache/goatee Note: Edited video was shared yesterday in relation to this crime. The victim has asked that we share the full video to show the entire event and urge anyone with information to call and hold this criminal accountable for his actions. The timestamp on the camera is one hour off. Details: Just before 3:30 AM on Sunday morning (7/1/18), the suspect entered the Marathon gas station at the corner of Channelside and Kennedy and tried to purchase alcohol. When informed by the clerk, 63 year old David Miller, that there are no sales of alcohol after 3:00 AM, the subject became confrontational and the two got into a verbal altercation. David directed the suspect to leave the store, but he refused and continued arguing. The suspect then got directly in David's face and, without provocation, punched David knocking him to the ground. The suspect then fled on foot and was last seen walking south on Channelside Drive. Anyone with information that may lead to identifying the suspect is asked to call Tampa Police at 813.231.6130

Posted by Tampa Police Department on Friday, July 6, 2018