Authorities in Massachusetts say a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of biting a convenience store clerk in the face during an altercation earlier this week.
According to The Enterprise, Joel Davila is accused of entering the Sunoco location on Broadway and attempting to steal a bottle of soda.
Taunton police say surveillance footage indicates the victim attempted to prevent Davila from making off with the drink and things got physical.
Davila allegedly bit the clerk on his cheek, resulting in a serious injury. Witnesses reportedly stepped in to detain the suspect until authorities arrived a short time later.
Reports indicate the victim was found bleeding “profusely” from the injury underneath his left eye. Police say he was transported to an area hospital for treatment of the “serious gash” in his face.
The suspect appeared in court the following day for an arraignment hearing.
As the Providence Journal reported, Davila was initially facing six criminal counts and was ultimately arraigned on charges of disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and destruction of property.
Taunton Police Chief Edward Walsh released a statement condemning Davila’s alleged actions.
“I would like to commend the good Samaritans who were in the store at the time and helped the victim while preventing the dangerous suspect from escaping and possibly harming others,” he said
[Featured image: Joel Davila, Taunton Police Department]
