STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: In a bizarre turn of events, a man who was filmed attempting to rob a 7-Eleven store in Stockton, California, has been arrested and connected to a series of crimes in the area, including two previous robberies at the same store.
The attempted theft, which went viral due to the unexpected response from store employees, has raised questions about the actions of both the perpetrator and the workers who defended the establishment.
Who is Tyrone Frazier?
The suspect has been identified as Tyrone Frazier, 42. On the night of August 7, 2023, Stockton Police apprehended Frazier at the scene of a vandalism incident just blocks away from the 7-Eleven store where he was caught on camera during the attempted robbery on July 29.
In the viral video, Frazier can be seen hastily shoving packs of cigarettes into a large trashcan, only to be confronted by vigilant store clerks who quickly sprung into action.
The footage captured one employee tackling Frazier to the ground, while another brandished what appeared to be a wooden broom handle and used it to strike Frazier repeatedly on his feet, legs, and behind. A witness filming the incident can be heard yelling, "That's called whooping yo a–!" as the confrontation unfolded.
Frazier eventually surrendered, shouting "OK! I’m done!" while the beating ceased. Notably, Frazier was heard making threats to shoot the employees while reaching for an object in his back pocket before being subdued, the New York Post reported.
A series of crimes uncovered
Frazier's criminal history was not limited to the attempted robbery seen in the viral video. Law enforcement authorities revealed that Frazier was connected to a series of crimes in the area, including two prior robberies at the same 7-Eleven store. On a previous occasion, he allegedly attempted to intimidate the store staff by claiming to possess a handgun.
Despite the widespread praise the store employees received for their courage and quick action in thwarting the robbery, the Stockton Police Department launched an assault probe into their actions. This move raised concerns about whether the employees might face prosecution for their defensive measures.
Controversy surrounding the employee response
Prominent civil rights lawyer Leo Terrell weighed in on the situation, criticizing the assault probe. Terrell argued that the focus should be on the criminal's actions and that the store employees should not be charged with a crime.
He pointed out that Frazier was the one who committed multiple crimes, and any potential legal action against the store owners sends the wrong message.
Terrell said: "Who is at fault is very simply the criminal, look at how relaxed he is. That is the democratic laws that are in California, where the criminal is the victim. Because you know the system is racist."
"This District Attorney should have that criminal in jail right now because he did it not just once, but twice. If there is any focus on these shop owners who are trying to protect their property, no way. They should not be charged with criminal crime. If there is some time of civil suit, that criminal will have zero chance of prevailing. 7-Eleven should back up these shop owners," he added.
The lawyer also noted: "This is what is happening right now because people are tired of being attacked, robbed, and physically assaulted. These owners tried to deter this guy from coming guy. This DA that has to review this case should not file charges against these shop owners, it sends the wrong message."
Legal developments
In response to growing public scrutiny, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office clarified that they would only be investigating Tyrone Frazier's actions as the suspected thief in the viral video, distancing themselves from potential charges against the store employees.
In a statement from the Stockton Police Department, it was highlighted that officers were initially unaware of Frazier's involvement in the robberies at 7-Eleven when they encountered him complaining of pain from being struck by a stick. It was only after the viral video surfaced that officers became aware of the third robbery that had not been reported to the police.
The statement read, "On August 7, 2023, at 11:24 p.m., Stockton Police responded to the 100 block of E Weber Ave on a report of vandalism. They located 42-year-old Tyrone Frazier at the scene. Frazier was arrested in connection to the series of robberies at 7-Eleven, burglary, and other outstanding warrants. A series of robberies occurred at the 7-Eleven on Center St. Officers arrived on scene of the robberies within two minutes of being reported."
It continued: "On both occasions, the suspect had fled the area prior to Police arrival. On July 29, 2023, at 3:05 a.m., officers responded to Center/Market St to meet with Stockton Fire for a subject complaining of pain from being struck by a stick. He was later identified as Tyrone Frazier. Frazier refused to provide further information on how he obtained his injuries."
The department added: "Officers were not aware of Frazier's involvement in the robberies at 7-Eleven. Once the viral video surfaced, Officers were made aware there was a third robbery that had not been reported to the Police. Once interviews have been conducted and evidence has been collected regarding the robberies, all findings will be forwarded to the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office for review. We would like to remind the community to report criminal activity as soon as safely possible and when you see something, say something."
