Javon Shamont Richardson, Derek Keith Walker
BRUNSWICK, Ga. -- A store owner was beaten in front of his two small children because he wouldn't sell cigarettes to someone trying to use an EBT card.
According to a news release from the Glynn County Police Department, the incident began Friday at about 9 p.m. at Rick's Supermarket on New Jesup Highway.
The store's owner told police two males, now identified as 22-year-old Derek Keith Walker and 24-year-old Javon Shamont Richardson, both from Yulee, entered the store and tried to use an EBT card to buy cigarettes.
When the owner told them they could not make that purchase with the EBT card, according to the news release, the suspects became irate and began cursing him.
After they left the store, the owner said, he went outside to apologize, and they began beating him.
Police believe the owner's children, ages 6 and 13, witnessed the whole incident. They were uninjured. The owner was treated at the scene.
One of the suspects reportedly went back into the store and took cash from the register. One suspect fled on foot while the other drove off in a car.
Police later found a vehicle matching its description at a mobile home park.
After investigating further, police arrested Richardson and Walker.
Each is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children in the second degree and robbery.
First Coast News