Tragic Incident Leaves Minneapolis Store Clerk Dead After Brutal Assault

A 66-year-old store clerk in Minneapolis, Minn. tragically lost his life after a customer viciously attacked him with a golf club, impaling him and causing fatal injuries, authorities revealed on Saturday.

The horrifying incident took place on Friday afternoon, prompting Minneapolis police to respond to an urgent call just before 1 p.m. Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the victim behind the store counter, with a golf club protruding through his torso.

Robert Skafte, a former professional dancer who dedicated his time to serving customers at the Oak Grove Grocery in the Loring Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, was identified as the victim. He had reportedly been bludgeoned by the assailant and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, Skafte was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.

Authorities have since apprehended a 44-year-old male suspect who had sought refuge inside an apartment building across the street from the crime scene. The suspect barricaded himself in the apartment for approximately six hours before being taken into custody. He now faces charges of murder.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara informed reporters on Friday night that it appeared the suspect had entered the store and proceeded to assault the victim in an extremely grotesque manner. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.

Jana Metge, the head of the nonprofit organization Citizens for a Loring Park Community, shared that Skafte had been a long-time resident of Loring Park and had generously served the community as a dedicated volunteer. Metge referred to him as “a shining light in the neighborhood,” emphasizing his positive impact.

Skafte’s artistic talents extended beyond his work as a store clerk. He had also made a name for himself as a professional dancer, having performed with the renowned Ballet of the Dolls. This Minneapolis-based dance theater company, founded by Myron Johnson in 1986, gained recognition for its original productions and innovative reinterpretations of classic works like “Giselle” and “The Nutcracker.”

Before joining the Ballet of the Dolls, Skafte had received training and danced with the Westside Ballet in Santa Monica, Calif. during the early ’80s. Following this, he became a member of the Kansas City Ballet, showcasing his talent from 1984 to 1994.

With News Wire Services