A Woodstock resident has been charged with attempted murder following a “brutal attack” on a gas station clerk, as announced by authorities on Friday.
According to McHenry County prosecutors, the incident was triggered when the suspect was refused a job application, prompting a violent assault on the clerk and an attempt to destroy the establishment.
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The assault occurred on the morning of December 31 at a Shell gas station located at 110 N. Eastwood Drive in Woodstock, as reported by the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Austin Silverman from Woodstock, reportedly requested a job application from the clerk. Upon refusal, he allegedly launched a vicious attack, leaving the clerk with serious injuries.
Following the assault, Silverman purportedly tried to blow up the gas station by putting out a cigarette in a gas pump, though the attempt was unsuccessful, according to county officials.
The aftermath at the gas station’s counter bore witness to what authorities described as the clerk’s desperate struggle to survive.
“He crosses the threshold into her workspace and attacks her,” Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb said.
Police say the 29-year-old suspect then began to punch and kick the victim repeatedly, and at one point smashed her head into the wall before getting his hands on a wooden club.
“The clerk grabbed it to defend herself,” Chief Lieb said. “Unfortunately, the individual was able to wrestle it away from her and use it against her.”
He then went outside to allegedly further his attack on the business, police said.
“He did try to light one of the gas pumps on fire… using a cigarette, yes,” Chief Lieb said. “The clerk did lock the door. He tried to re-enter the store. Thankfully, due to the locked door, he was not able to re-enter.”
The victim called 911, and it was surveillance video that led to a swift arrest at the suspect’s home, who was known to police.
“He was still in the same clothing that was in the video,” Chief Lieb said. “I hope down the road we achieve justice for this victim.”
Police said the victim later took herself to the hospital, suffering from multiple broken bones.
Silverman is now facing felony charges, one count of Attempted First Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Battery in a Public Place. He appeared in court Friday, where he was denied pretrial released.
The suspect is set to appear in court again Jan. 7.
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