Surveillance photos released by police show at least eight attackers surrounding the 42-year-old gas station attendant who was robbed and assaulted as he left work Thursday night.
A teen wearing a bright yellow T-shirt that has “Aero 1987 Surf” on the front was inside the Clark gas station at 2295 Grant St. shortly before he and several others swarmed around the clerk outside the building.
“It shows his face clearly. We’re hoping someone can identify him and some of his friends,” Sgt. William Fazekas said Monday.
The gas station attendant, a Merrillville resident, suffered a fractured skull and other injuries when he was knocked down about 10:46 p.m. as he started walking to his car. He was treated at the Methodist Hospitals Northlake campus, then flown to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., where he was later released.
Police said he is recovering at a home on Chicago’s north side. He speaks limited English, so police plan to arrange for an interpreter when they take his statement.
Investigators say several teens were in the store prior to the attack, as shown in surveillance obtained by police. Then, as Alkalab walked toward his car, the suspects – eight or more – form a wide circle, then close in to attack. Police said the teen in the bright yellow T-shirt appeared to be the most aggressive in the assault. Other camera angles show them jumping up on the roof of Alkalab’s car and a teen taking a photo of himself at the scene with his cell phone.
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Anyone with information about the attack can call Fazekas or Sgt. Dan Callahan at (219) 881-1210.