What started as an argument over $30 worth of gas turned violent at a West Portsmouth convenience store when deputies say a man assaulted a clerk — and then attacked two juveniles who tried to help.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said deputies were called to Super Quick on Galena Pike around 12:57 a.m. on May 26.
According to the report, a man attempted to pump gas without paying first.
When the clerk informed him that prepayment was required, the suspect allegedly became erratic and declared he was taking the gas for free.
🚨 CLERK AND JUVENILES ASSAULTED
Authorities say the suspect assaulted the store clerk during the confrontation.
Two juvenile boys who witnessed the incident reportedly attempted to help the employee and were also assaulted.
The suspect fled the area before deputies arrived.
👀 SUSPECT FOUND HOURS LATER
Around 8:15 a.m., deputies received another call about a suspicious man reportedly driving around the Otway area while appearing to be under the influence.
The vehicle matched the description connected to the earlier robbery investigation.
Deputies located the vehicle, detained the driver, and transported him to the sheriff’s office for questioning.
⚖️ CHARGED WITH ROBBERY AND ASSAULT
Authorities arrested Troy Roop Jr., 33, of Conneaut, Ohio.
He was charged with:
- One count of robbery
- Three counts of assault
Roop appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on May 27, where the court ordered him held under bond.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 4.
🚔 LENGTHY CRIMINAL HISTORY
Records from Ashtabula County show previous charges involving:
- Felonious assault
- Assault on a police officer
- Obstructing official business
- Tampering with evidence
- Heroin trafficking
- Weapons under disability
⚠️ WHY GAS STATIONS OFTEN BECOME FLASHPOINTS
Convenience store clerks and gas station workers frequently deal with:
- Drive-offs
- Intoxicated customers
- Shoplifting
- Drug-related behavior
- And confrontations over payment policies
Police say requiring customers to prepay for fuel has become standard at many stations specifically because gas thefts remain so common.