MARION, Va. (WJHL) — A 17-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of a gas station clerk in Chilhowie in 2024.

A release from Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins Tuesday said Jose Rodriguez, 17, was tried as an adult after he pled guilty in February.

According to the release, Rodriguez, who was considered a runaway at the time, entered an Exxon in Chilhowie and persuaded the clerk to step out from behind the counter. He then attacked the clerk from behind with a fixed-blade knife, the release said.

“This was a savage, senseless act of violence that shook our community to its core,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins. “Attempted murder—no matter the age of the offender—is a serious crime that will not be tolerated in Smyth County. We have a duty to protect our citizens and hold violent offenders accountable. I commend the victim for his strength and compassion in the face of such trauma.”

The release said the clerk survived the attack and even spoke to the court during Rodriguez’s sentencing. “In a powerful statement, he told the judge the crime had ‘wrecked his life,’ but he nonetheless chose to offer forgiveness to Rodriguez,” the release states.

Judge Jeff Campbell sentenced Rodriguez to serve 10 years in prison, but, acknowledging his age, the court ordered Rodriguez to remain in the Virginia Juvenile Justice System for two years pending further evaluation.

After that, the release said a review hearing will take place on May 20, 2027, where a court will determine whether Rodriguez will be transferred to an adult facility to serve the remainder of his sentence or continue under the juvenile justice department.

“I want to thank the Chilhowie Police Department, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for their outstanding work in this case. Their professionalism and rapid response ensured this dangerous offender was apprehended without delay,” Blevins said in the release.