Police: Robbery suspect allegedly hit convenience store worker in the face, head with a rock

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Police in Phoenix have arrested a man who is suspected of assaulting a female convenience store worker in Downtown Phoenix during a robbery attempt.

According to officials, James Hawkins went to the Mobil gas station on Tuesday at 7th Street and Portland. Hawkins allegedly jumped over the counter and demanded money from the safe. When the clerk told him there wasn't any cash, Police say Hawkins hit her several times in the face and head with a rock, and threatened to kill her, Hawkins then dragged her toward the office, causing her pants to come off.

Police say Hawkins left the store after a customer walked in. Paramedics later took the woman to the hospital for treatment.

Investigators say they learned Hawkins was suspected of going into the same store in January with a cup of gasoline and a lit cigarette. They say he threw the gas in a clerk's face, threw that man to the floor, and demanded cash from the register, or he would light the clerk on fire. The worker complied. Police say Hawkins then pulled out a knife and demanded money, or the clerk would be stabbed.

Hawkins is facing nine felony counts, including kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.