Police: Couple Angry Over Halloween Treat Assaults Long Island Deli Clerk

A Queens couple was arrested Saturday after police say they assaulted a Lawrence deli clerk who handed out Halloween treats the couple wasn’t pleased with.

According to police, Daquan Rose, 26, and Samone Sturgis, 23, were out trick-or-treating with a 10-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl when they entered Burnside Deli located at 267 Burnside Avenue at about 3 p.m.

An argument arose with the deli clerk over what was given for a Halloween treat and both Rose and Sturgis were asked to leave the store, police said.

Sturgis became angry and began stealing packages of cookies from the counter area, police said.

When the clerk attempted to prevent her from removing them, Rose and Sturgis, who are both from Far Rockaway, began punching the employee in the face and then left the store, police said.

The clerk followed the couple into the parking lot and Rose picked up a piece of wood and threatened to beat him with it, police said.

Rose and Sturgis, along with the two children, then fled the scene, police said.

The clerk, who suffered a contusion and swelling to his eye, called 911. Upon police arrival and after a search for Rose and Sturgis, they were both located a short distance away at Pearl Street and Rockaway Turnpike.

Rose and Sturgis were arrested and each charged with first degree robbery and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The juveniles, who were brought to the precinct, were released to an adult family friend, police said.