NEW DETAILS EMERGE ON AUSTIN COUNTY ASSAULT CASE

  

More details have emerged in an assault incident that was reported Sunday night at Lindeman’s Store in Industry.

65-year-old Betty Smith of Industry told FOX 26 TV in Houston that she had went to the store just before 7pm to pick up ice cream and a honeybun for her special needs son.

Before making the purchase, Smith said she found a $50 bill on the floor. The clerk told her that she thought it might belong to a friend of hers that was in the store earlier.

As she attempted to leave, video surveillance shows one female clerk grabbed the $50 bill from her, while another female clerk and a male clerk restrained her, and then a brief shoving match ensued. They also locked the door to prevent her from leaving.

Smith told the TV station that she feared for her safety, and called her granddaughter for assistance.

The granddaughter arrived and demanded that they let her out. Footage shows the granddaughter shoving the clerk as an Austin County Sheriff’s Deputy is approaching the door, which led to her being placed in handcuffs.

Smith’s daughter arrived on the scene and was also arrested for allegedly assaulting one of the employees.

Austin County Sheriff Jack Brandes released a statement saying that statements, videos, body-worn camera video, and all evidence has been forward to the District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges against various individuals.

The manager and the owner of Lindeman’s Store fired all three employees on Monday, and have apologized to Smith.  They have also offered to help pay the bond money and let her keep the $50.

She turned their offer down.