7-Eleven Clerk Trying to Stop Robber Punched in Face, Called Racist Slur: NYPD

An employee working at a Midtown 7-Eleven store was assaulted while attempting to stop a man from stealing, police said Sunday.

The assault, under investigation as a possible hate crime, occurred inside the store on 8th Avenue sometime before 6 a.m. Saturday.

Police say the suspect punched the 27-year-old employee in the face and called him an anti-Asian slur when he attempted to stop the robbery.

The clerk suffered abrasions but declined medical attention, police said.

A suspect was arrested and charged on Wednesday. Police say 33-year-old Gregory Jacques was charged with attempted assault, reckless endangerment and assault. It's unclear whether he will be charged with hate crime.