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Shop worker dies after customer impales him with a golf club

Shop worker dies after customer impales him with a golf club

A shop assistant has died after a customer beat him and impaled him with a golf club.

The 66-year-old was attacked on Friday at the Oak Grove Grocery, a small store in a residential area near downtown Minneapolis.

A 44-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police responded to a call just before 1pm and found the victim behind the counter with a golf club impaled through his torso.

He later died at a hospital.

Information from witnesses led police to an apartment building across the street – and police say the suspect had barricaded himself inside for six hours.

After lengthy negotiations, officers took the man into custody without incident.

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Police are still investigating to determine what prompted the attack.

Neighbours told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the man had been a fixture at the shop for a long time.

“We are broken; our hearts are broken,” said Manuela Torres, a friend of the victim.

A memorial set up outside the store was adorned with candles, flowers and a photo.

“We know this neighbourhood is hurting tonight,” police chief Brian O’Hara said.