Man faces charges in beating of store clerk

   A 23-year-old man is facing attempted homicide charges after he attacked a female clerk Saturday afternoon at the Circle K at 379 W. 1st St., reported the Yuma Police Department.

  Police responded to a call about 1:29 p.m. of a disturbance involving a knife at the store.

  The suspect, later identified as Raphael Gabriel Polk III, entered the store, went behind the counter and attacked the clerk, YPD reported.

  Polk tried to stab the clerk several times, causing a small wound on her back with the first strike, according to YPD. While the clerk remained cornered behind the counter, Polk allegedly punched her in the face several times, then fled the scene on foot.

  Police officers arrived shortly after the attack. Polk was found near the store and was arrested. He will be booked for attempted homicide, according to YPD, and there is no known motive for the attack.

  The clerk was treated and released at the scene by Yuma Fire Department paramedics.

  Customers were in the store at the time of the attack but had left before police arrived.

  Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call YPD at 783-4421 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.