2 arrested in assault, robbery in Planada

A convenience store clerk in Planada suffered serious injuries Thursday when he was beaten by two men who then stole four bottles of liquor, pumped gasoline into their vehicle and left the area, the Merced County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Jorge Rodriguez, 42, and Juan Rodriguez, 40, were arrested shortly after the theft and booked into the John Latorraca Correctional Facility on suspicion of assault and robbery. Both men remained in custody Friday with bond set at $75,000 for each.

Sgt. Delray Shelton said the two men entered the Valero gas station on Highway 140 in Planada around 1 p.m. Thursday and asked the clerk to give them a 12-pack of beer. When the clerk refused, Shelton said, the two men attacked him.

The store employee, a man whose name was not released, suffered serious injuries. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Deputies said the two suspects left the store, taking four bottles of Southern Comfort liquor. They then pumped gas into their vehicle and drove away. A store security camera captured images of the men at the gas pumps, investigators said.

Jorge Rodriguez and Juan Rodriguez were arrested a short time later at a home on Ayala Court. The arrested pair are not related, deputies said.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "2 arrested in assault, robbery in Planada."