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Bodega Clerk Hits Customer with Bat in Fight Over Beer, Police Say

By Trevor Kapp | April 20, 2017 1:45pm
 Dia Eldeen Hassan (inset), 20, was charged with assault in connection with the incident inside his Avenue A bodega, police said.
Dia Eldeen Hassan (inset), 20, was charged with assault in connection with the incident inside his Avenue A bodega, police said.
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DNAinfo/Trevor Kapp; (inset) Handout

EAST VILLAGE — An Avenue A bodega clerk hit a customer with an aluminum baseball bat in an argument over beer, police said.

Dia Eldeen Hassan, 20, attacked and 18-year-old who was attempting to buy beer inside Kamaran Deli and Grocery near East Fifth Street about 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, police sources said.

The teen told police that Hassan hurled anti-transgender slurs and refused to serve him, sources said.

The teen then knocked over a display case, and the two began fighting inside the store, police said.

That’s when Hassan, the owner's son, grabbed the bat and hit the teen in the head and on the arms, though he later refused medical attention, according to police.

Hassan later told police the teen was trying to steal beer, though surveillance video from inside the store didn’t show that, the NYPD said.

The teen suffered cuts and complained of swelling and pain on his head and arms, prosecutors said.

A worker at the bodega said the teen's account wasn't even possible, as Hassan only speaks Arabic.

"He doesn't even speak English," said worker Negi Mohammed. "He's a good guy, a hard worker. He's been here one year."

Hassan, of Yonkers, was released on his own recognizance on assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges, prosecutors said.

He’s next due in court June 7.

His lawyer, Stuart Meltzer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Daily News first reported the story.