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A resident of Woodstock, Illinois, has been accused of attempted murder following a violent assault on a gas station clerk, authorities revealed on Friday.
According to McHenry County prosecutors, the incident arose after the suspect was refused a job application. Police report that the individual then launched a brutal attack on the clerk and subsequently attempted to ignite an explosion at the establishment.
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The altercation took place on the morning of December 31 at a Shell gas station situated at 110 N. Eastwood Drive in Woodstock, as per the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Austin Silverman from Woodstock, is alleged to have requested a job application from the clerk, which was declined. Following this denial, Silverman purportedly assaulted the clerk, resulting in severe injuries to the victim.
In a further alleged act, Silverman tried to trigger an explosion by putting out a cigarette on a gas pump, though his attempt was unsuccessful, according to McHenry County officials.
The ravaged counter at the gas station showed what police say was a woman’s fight to survive.
“He crosses the threshold into her workspace and attacks her,” Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said.
Police say the 29-year-old suspect then began to punch and kick the victim repeatedly, and at one point smashed her head into the wall before getting his hands on a wooden club.
“The clerk grabbed it to defend herself,” Chief Lieb said. “Unfortunately, the individual was able to wrestle it away from her and use it against her.”
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He then went outside to allegedly further his attack on the business, police said.
“He did try to light one of the gas pumps on fire… using a cigarette, yes,” Chief Lieb said. “The clerk did lock the door. He tried to re-enter the store. Thankfully, due to the locked door, he was not able to re-enter.”
The victim called 911, and it was surveillance video that led to a swift arrest at the suspect’s home, who was known to police.
“He was still in the same clothing that was in the video,” Chief Lieb said. “I hope down the road we achieve justice for this victim.”
Police said the victim later took herself to the hospital, suffering from multiple broken bones.
Silverman is now facing felony charges, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery in a Public Place. He appeared in court Friday, where he was denied pretrial released.
The suspect is set to appear in court again Jan. 7.
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