Police in Chilhowie, Virginia, seek suspect who attacked gas station clerk with knife during robbery

CHILHOWIE, Virginia (WJHL) – Chilhowie Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly attacked a gas station clerk with a knife during an attempted robbery early Saturday morning.

A news release from Chilhowie police said the attempted robbery occurred at an Exxon gas station at 409 Whitetop Road around 12:45 a.m. Saturday. The news release said a Hispanic man entered the store and asked the clerk for help. As the clerk walked away, the suspect reportedly attacked him with a knife.

The police department said the two “fighted for control of the weapon throughout the store” until a witness noticed the commotion, entered the store and helped the clerk disarm the suspect.

The press release states that the suspect drove off toward Highway 11 in a black Hyundai Elantra with a royal blue passenger door. The vehicle had a Massachusetts license plate, according to police.

The seller was treated and released from Johnston Memorial Hospital, the release said. The Chilhowie Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the Virginia State Police and the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office.

Photos of the suspect and the vehicle he was traveling in are below. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact police immediately. Chilhowie Police can be reached at 276-646-3232.