Police Search For Suspects After Veteran Beaten Outside 7-Eleven In Westland

WESTLAND (WWJ) - Police are looking for suspects in the brutal beating of a veteran outside a convenience store in Wayne County.

The incident happened around 2 a.m. Thursday at the 7-Eleven store on Venoy Road near Cherry Hill Road in Westland.

The 25-year-old Livonia man, a veteran of the U.S. armed services, told police that three men started harassing him inside the store. When he went outside, the men followed.

The victim told police the incident escalated after the trio noticed the military decals on his vehicle. After several derogatory remarks, the three men allegedly attacked the victim, repeatedly kicking and punching him.

The suspects, described as men in their 20s, attempted to run off, but the victim was close behind, yelling that he was calling police on his cellphone. That's when the three men allegedly attacked the victim for a second time, knocking him to the ground as they pummeled him with their fists, according to reports.

A nearby resident saw what was happening and called 911. The three suspects then took off running in an unknown direction.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with a broken nose, head injuries and cuts to his mouth and face.

Police are reviewing store surveillance footage in an attempt to identify the suspects, but are also asking the public for help.

Anyone who might have information on this incident is urged to contact police at 734-722-9600.