Portland convenience store employee assaulted during robbery

A family-owned convenience store in Northeast Portland, On-Mart, is struggling to recover after an employee was assaulted during a robbery. Located at Fremont and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the store has only been operational for less than a year but has already faced significant challenges, including crime and violence.

On March 24, the situation escalated when a man entered the store and attempted to steal items. When employee Andy Kumar confronted him, the suspect reacted aggressively, throwing products and eventually assaulting Kumar. The confrontation intensified outside the store, resulting in Kumar being cut with a sharp object, believed to be a knife.

Following the incident, Kumar managed to contact both the police and his family. Mohammed Khan, the store's operator, described the emotional nature of the call, stating Kumar was frightened and bleeding when he reached out for help. Khan noted that such violent encounters have become alarmingly common at On-Mart, prompting them to reduce their operating hours for safety concerns.

The threats faced by staff members have created an atmosphere of fear, particularly during night hours. Khan recounted experiences with customers displaying weapons or acting erratically. Kumar pointed out that interactions with intoxicated or high individuals often lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations.

Despite the ongoing struggles, Khan is determined to keep the family business afloat. He expressed hope for the store's future, acknowledging their resilience while recognizing the toll that such incidents have taken on their ability to operate long-term.