Somerville Whole Foods Worker Charged With Assault On The Job: Report

SOMERVILLE, MA — An employee of the Whole Foods grocery store on 45 Beacon St. was arrested after an alleged physical altercation with a panhandler, according to a report from News Link Live.

Eric Illouz, 21, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after reportedly using a knife on the victim, who has not been publicly identified.

According to Officer Alex Lorenti of the Somerville Police Department, the victim told Illouz that he had a surprise for him, which the victim asserted simply meant he was going to file a complaint against him with the store. However, the victim believes Illouz interpreted that as a more severe threat and responded physically.

Illouz reportedly grabbed the victim by the hood of his sweatshirt and put a knife to his throat. The victim then pulled away and escaped.

Three witnesses corroborated the man’s account.

Read more at News Link Live.