ILLINOIS: Dolton gas station clerk caught on video beating woman who says she wanted to use the bathroom

DOLTON, Illinois — A gas station clerk was caught on video beating a woman who said she only wanted to use the bathroom on July 18.

The victim, identified as Nakeyah Smith, said it all began when she tried to use the restroom at the Shell gas station on Sibley Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue in Dolton.

She said she was originally denied by the man working behind the counter and then asked the female employee also working shift that day — who allowed her to go, according to a report from CBS Chicago.

Smith said that while in the bathroom, she heard the man lock the front door of the establishment.

Smith said when she tried to leave the store, the employee refused to unlock the door, according to the report.

“So I started to unlock the door. He pushed me. I push him back,” Smith said. “So I continued to let myself out and he started hitting me.”

Video of the incident shows the employee put Smith in a chokehold before shoving her to the ground and punching her in the head.

Friends locked outside eventually broke the glass door to free Smith.

The video sparked protests outside the gas station on Wednesday, forcing it to close early.

The employee turned himself in to Dolton Police on Tuesday afternoon.

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard said in a statement that she ordered the police chief to get involved in the investigation personally..

“I am personally saddened, hurt, and angry after viewing this horrifying video. Before any title I may have, I am a Black woman first. This young lady’s pain is also my pain. I have ordered the Chief of Police to be personally involved with this investigation, but to also work closely with the Cook County State’s Attorney to ensure that proper charges are brought upon this coward who committed this heinous act.”

Nakeyah Smith was left bruised following the assault.