NORTH SYRACUSE -- Two people from North Syracuse are facing charges after police say they beat up a store owner while trying to steal Four Loko.
Officers say 19-year-old Christopher Powers II stole two cans of Four Loko from the SKJ Gas and Food Mart on South Main Street Friday night. They say the cashier told Powers he had to pay for the drinks, but Powers ran out to a waiting car. The owner of the store then followed him outside and leaned into the car to tell Powers he had to pay for the drinks. Police say Powers grabbed the owner, pulled him partially into the car and started punching him.
Police say the driver of the car, 18-year-old Melissa Huff, panicked started backing up the car, dragging the store owner for a little while. When she started driving forward, Powers pushed the owner out of the car. The owner then called police.
Officers were able to arrest Powers and Huff a short time later. Powers is charged with robbery, attempted assault, and petit larceny. Huff is charged with reckless endangerment.
