MIRAMAR, Fla. – Surveillance video inside a Miramar gas station captured a violent encounter between a man wearing a black hoodie and a gas station attendant.
It happened at the Sunoco gas station located on Pembroke Road just west of the Florida Turnpike, across the street from North Perry Airport on Tuesday night. The video shows a man wearing a black hoodie approaching the worker and punching him repeatedly before slamming him to the ground.
After a struggle, the gas station clerk was able to stand up. He pulled out a gun and shot at the suspect.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Jeffrey John Philippe, 33, ran off after being shot by that worker. He was found wounded about a block away from the gas station. A neighbor said she was glad the clerk fought back.
“Yes! He had to protect himself. What if the shoe was on the other foot?” said the neighbor.
Rescue workers rushed Philippe to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains under police custody as he recovers from his injuries.
The store clerk told Local 10 News he was being attacked by Philippe and that’s why he opened fire.
That clerk was back at work Wednesday night, just hours after the vicious attack. He said his body is in pain, but he had to come back to work.
“I’ve got a family,” he said.
According to an arrest report, Philippe struck the victim multiple times before throwing the victim to the floor, where a struggle ensued.
Philippe faces charges of battery and burglary.
The victim suffered a bruised lip and is expected to be fine.