Man steals beer, strikes store clerk

WEST VALLEY CITY — A convenience store clerk got cold-cocked with a cold one as he tried to stop a Saturday morning beer run.

A 20-something Polynesian man walked into the 7-Eleven, 2321 S. Redwood Road, and grabbed three cases of beer about 8:30 a.m., said West Valley City Police Lt. Dalan Taylor. When the clerk tried to stop the robber, the man swung a case of beer and struck the clerk in the head, Taylor said.

Customers then "dog-piled" on the robber, who still managed to escape.

The clerk was cut just above his eye and received stitches, Taylor said.

Police said the suspect had a "large build" and was wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt. He left the store in an early '90s, maroon Chevy Suburban.

— Aaron Falk