Youngstown police arrest man accused of punching store owner

YOUNGSTOWN — The owner of Petra Mart, 2402 South Ave., said he was punched in the nose while evicting a customer who police said wanted to buy a pack of cigarettes and became belligerent when he was asked for identification.

According to police, the suspect, Dexter L. Buxton, 18, of East Auburndale Avenue, was arrested at South and East LaClede avenues and charged with felonious assault shortly after the incident, which occurred at 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

Witnesses told police the owner came to investigate and ordered Buxton to get out. As the suspect was leaving, he slammed the door on the owner and then punched him in the face when he pushed the door back open.

Police took Buxton to the Mahoning County jail. A family member took the owner to St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital for treatment.