Deli Owner Viciously Attacked, Closing Store for Good

A female deli owner who was brutally beaten Saturday, talks exclusively to NBC10.

The man who viciously attacked a female deli owner in North Philadelphia Saturday is in custody, according to police.

Daniel Nieves, Credit: Philadelphia Police

Investigators say 31 year-old Daniel Nieves brutally beat 57 year-old Christina Santos at J.R. Grocery on West Huntingdon Street.

Sunday, Santos was at home recovering and talked exclusively to NBC10 about the attack. "He grabbed me like this, by the arm, very strong, suddenly he just started punching me and punching me with all his force," Santos said.

Santos says Nieves then slammed her head repeatedly against an ice cream freezer, knocking her to the ground. "I said, 'oh my God' I felt like fainting but something told me to keep fighting but I couldn't fight, either," recalls Santos.

Police say when another customer walked into J.R. Grocery, Nieves took off running. He was caught a short time later.

Now, with broken bones and several stitches, Santos says she's not taking anymore chances and is closing her store for good. "It's not worth it, money wise it's just not worth it" Santos said.

Nieves is facing assault charges. The motive for the attack is still unclear.


 

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