San Francisco store clerk attacked by robber trying to steal beer has died after sustaining brain injury and going into coma trying to stop the thug

A San Francisco store clerk who was violently assaulted by a robber trying to steal two beers has died from his traumatic brain injury.

Yowhannes ‘John’ Tewelde, 60, was knocked into a coma when a thief attacked him with a baseball bat while he was working at Richmond Market on Thursday.

The owner of the Balboa Street market said Yowhannes wielded a bat at the front door at 9:30 p.m. to deter the thief. The man had already stolen water from the store and returned ten minutes later to get beer.

But the plan failed: The robber then knocked Tewelde down and started hitting him on the head with the bat, surveillance footage showed.

The suspect is still on the run.

The suspect, who tried to steal two beers, is still on the run. He hit the clerk with a baseball bat

Yowhannes had recently become a US citizen and, according to his family, had heart surgery in March. But he was always dedicated to his job.

Meron Tewelde, his daughter, says: ‘Immediately after his heart surgery he didn’t wait to go back to work, because he wanted to be there. There’s something about that community that he loves. He loves everyone there.’

Tewelde underwent two surgeries after the assault outside the store, but he never regained consciousness.

When he was initially injured, his wife, who is a nursing assistant, told Fox, “This is very hard. We feel bad. We’re in pain.’

In a GoFundMe update, his family and friends wrote: ‘Hello everyone, I am deeply saddened to share that Yohannes ‘John’ Tewolde passed away today at 1:58pm in the ICU at SF General Hospital.

“John was a beloved member of the community and loved even more by his family and friends. The family has asked me to convey their gratitude for your continued support and ask that your prayers go out for John and his family.

Yowhannes had recently become a US citizen and, according to his family, had heart surgery in March. But he was always dedicated to his job

He was put into a coma by the robber. He never recovered

Meron Tewelde, his daughter, says: ‘Immediately after his heart surgery he didn’t wait to go back to work, because he wanted to be there. There’s something about that community that he loves. He loves everyone there’

“In memory of John, some of us neighbors have decided to hold a vigil in his memory on Thursday (31/08) at 9pm, a week after the incident.

“It’s held in front of the Richmond Market at the corner of 41st Avenue and Balboa Street. Please feel free to bring cards, flowers and/or candles to the Vigil this Thursday in memory of John and his kindness.

Again, please keep sharing this GoFundMe as we try to raise as much financial support as possible for the family. We thank you all for your generosity and love. Mind your safety.’

One person from the local San Fran community wrote, “John was always a friendly and positive presence in the neighborhood.

‘Never without a smile on his face when you enter the store. His smile after a long and challenging day at work always made me smile.

Tributes poured in for the beloved store clerk

Local residents have united after the traumatic attack

Pictured: Richmond Market in San Francisco

My deepest condolences to his family for this senseless act. Johannes will not be forgotten.’

Another person added, “Dear John, we will miss your kindness and smile. My little daughter is always asking about you and Nancy.

“You made her smile and make her happy every day that she wanted to say hello to you. We will miss you very much.’

A third resident wrote after the sad news: “I am sorry for your loss. It’s hard to believe this is happening in our neighborhood! So pointless.’

While a four added: ‘Hard work and loyalty should not be rewarded with brutality. This is heartbreaking.’