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Police: Man assaulted clerk with soda bottle, scissors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A 60-year-old is facing several charges after police said he attempted to rob a Springfield gas station and assaulted the store's clerk in the process.

Officers responded to the "Pride" gas station located at 1211 East Columbus Ave. at about 1:58 a.m. Wednesday.

The store manager told police the suspect, later identified as Curtis Garrett, of Chicopee, walked into the store with his hand inside his shirt in an attempt to make it look like he was armed with a gun. Police said the suspect then demanded money from the cash register; however, the manager said he refused and a struggle ensued.

Garrett allegedly threw a 2-liter bottle of soda at the manager, striking him in the head. The manager said Garrett then jumped over the counter and assaulted him with scissors.

The manager was able to jump over the counter and lock the front door as Garrett was busy stuffing his pockets with cigarettes, police said.

Officers arrived and took Garrett into custody while he was in the store. He has been charged with armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Garrett was scheduled to be arraigned in Springfield District Court Wednesday.