Store Clerk Faces Aggravated Assault Charge After defending himself during Robbery

A convenience store employee in Peterborough, facing a charge of aggravated assault, reportedly used a baseball bat to thwart an attempted robbery, according to the local police. Authorities were alerted to the incident around 2:30 a.m. on January 5, at a convenience store near King Street and Bethune Street.

Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered that a male clerk, Tejeshwar Kalia, was assisting a customer when a second individual entered, wielding a baseball bat and demanding money. A scuffle ensued, resulting in the clerk being struck with the bat before managing to wrest it away from the suspect, who then fled the store. The clerk pursued the suspect outside and allegedly struck him multiple times with the baseball bat on the sidewalk.

The alleged robber is currently receiving treatment for head injuries in a Toronto hospital, while the clerk received on-site medical attention. A warrant was issued for the arrest of the 37-year-old robbery suspect, who faces charges of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and robbery.

Simultaneously, the 22-year-old clerk from Peterborough was apprehended and charged with aggravated assault. He remained in custody and appeared in court on January 6. Peterborough police are urging the male customer present during the incident to come forward for further information.

Legal expert Daniel Brown, a former president of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers Association, commented on the situation, noting that the public might struggle to comprehend the charges, with some believing the would-be robber “had it coming.” Brown explained that the alleged robber had premeditated the act, while the clerk acted in self-defense without preplanning. He suggested that the courts may treat the clerk more leniently, considering extenuating circumstances in the case. Although the maximum sentence for aggravated assault is 14 years in prison, Brown emphasized that individual circumstances would play a crucial role in determining the final sentencing.

Parvasi Media Group