4 men identified in Sarasota gas station clerk beating

SARASOTA -- Three of the four men caught on camera beating a store clerk have been arrested, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

Four men entered the Exxon/Mobile Station, 2525 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 and attempted to buy a cigar, according to a release. The clerk denied them because they could not provide identification, and the men argued with him before leaving.

When the clerk was taking out the trash a short time later the four men returned and started arguing with him again. One man started punching the clerk in the face multiple times and the other three joined the altercation as the clerk wrestled the man to the ground to try to protect himself.

The four men were all identified, and Robert V. Smith IV, 22, and Willie Jare Vegas, 26, were charged with aggravated battery. Zarirreon L. Milton, 22, was charged with simple battery, and the fourth man is not being charged. Detectives are working with him as a witness in the investigation.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 11:34 AM with the headline "4 men identified in Sarasota gas station clerk beating ."