by The victim, an Arby’s employee, was left screaming and bleeding from the face after the assault, prompting police intervention. Authorities have apprehended two individuals connected to the assault, highlighting growing concerns about workplace safety and violent altercations in public settings.
The Assault and Immediate Police Response
On September 11, officers from the Kettering Police Department were patrolling near Forrer Boulevard and Smithville Road when an Arby’s employee flagged them down outside the restaurant located on the 2300 block of Smithville Road. The employee was found screaming and bleeding from the face.
According to reports, 21-year-old Stevi J. Creech allegedly initiated the attack by entering the restaurant holding a large rock. Surveillance cameras captured Creech walking swiftly toward the interior drive-thru, followed seconds later by 26-year-old Gerrin Rankin. While the cameras did not capture the assault itself, they showed both suspects exiting the restaurant hastily less than two minutes after entering. The injured employee then appeared on camera holding her face.
Witness Account and Details of the Assault
A witness to the confrontation disclosed to police that Creech and Rankin ran inside from the drive-thru area and physically assaulted the employee before fleeing on foot. The witness attempted to intervene but was intimidated by Rankin, who made a threatening gesture toward his waistband, implying possession of a weapon.
“The witness stated he took that to mean G. Rankin had a weapon, presumably a gun, and backed off without intervening,” wrote police in the probable cause affidavit.
During a police interview, the victim revealed she previously interacted with Creech the night before the incident. The attack was reportedly motivated by Creech accusing the employee of “stealing a roach” — a tip leftover from a blunt or joint.
Charges, Arrests, and Official Statements
Following the incident, police located and arrested both Creech and Rankin nearby. Creech faces one count of felonious assault resulting in serious harm, while Rankin was charged with misdemeanor criminal menacing. As of now, Creech remains held at Montgomery County Jail on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on September 22. Rankin has been released from custody.
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The AES Restaurant Group, operator of the Arby’s location, issued a statement emphasizing employee safety and cooperation with law enforcement:
“AES Restaurant Group prioritizes team member safety and is fully cooperating with authorities following the incident. The team member involved has received medical care and has since returned to work.”
Concerns About Workplace Safety Highlighted
This attack underscores the potential dangers employees face, even in routine service environments. The violent nature of the assault following a minor dispute over what some perceive as trivial — a roach — reveals escalating tensions that can lead to serious harm.
- The assault involved a large rock used as a weapon, causing visible facial injuries.
- Witnesses felt threatened by the suspects’ apparent display of weapons, preventing intervention.
- Police acted swiftly after the employee flagged them down, leading to arrests within a short distance of the crime scene.
- The victim has since returned to work following medical treatment.
For more detailed information, readers can visit the original report on Law & Crime.
