Employee says robber attacked him with knife at NE Portland convenience store

Employees at On-Mart, a family-owned convenience store in northeast Portland, are feeling increasingly unsafe after a recent robbery incident where an employee was assaulted. Open for nearly a year on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the store has faced various challenges, but the threat of violence has heightened their concerns about safety on the job.

Anoop Kumar, an employee at the store, was attacked on March 23 while trying to remove a robber. He recounted the incident, stating that the assailant not only assaulted him with a sharp object but continued the attack outside the store. The confrontation was captured on the store's surveillance camera, which Kumar shared with local news. He noted that this particular incident escalated beyond previous burglaries, as the robber aimed to harm him physically.

Despite the traumatic experience, Kumar has returned to work but remains fearful of being attacked again. He highlighted the struggle to provide for their families while facing such dangers, emphasizing that continual incidents could jeopardize their ability to work and provide a better life.

Mohammed Khan, Kumar's cousin and the store operator, expressed his deep concern upon learning of the attack. He commended Kumar's bravery in coming back to work, acknowledging that many would be too frightened to return after such an ordeal. Khan revealed that they have already implemented several security measures, including installing more cameras and reinforcing windows and doors, but have faced difficult decisions regarding early closure due to safety concerns.

The family-run business is committed to finding solutions to enhance safety, as they fear that ongoing crime could lead to the closure of the store. Khan lamented that without protective measures and a decrease in crime, sustaining their livelihood and the store's operations may become untenable.