Photo: Stock Image
EL SOBRANTE — Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a vagrant who allegedly attacked a convenience store clerk. The victim was doused with lighter fluid and set on fire at Appian Food & Liquor. Store security cameras recorded this horrific attack.
The clerk survived the attack, which occurred last month. The man was transported to a hospital for treatment of burns on his face, neck, and shoulder. His injuries will likely result in permanent disability and disfigurement.
The alleged attacker Kendall L. Burton, 38, of Oakland, was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. Burton remains behind bars in custody ineligible for release on bond. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 9.
Multiple charges have been filed against Burton. His charges include assault with a caustic chemical, assault with a deadly weapon, and arson causing great bodily injury. He faces additional charges and special allegations, including second-degree robbery and aggravated mayhem. He also had outstanding warrants.
Burton went to the convenience store three times on September 22, and allegedly stole items twice. When the suspect returned to the store for a third time he was confronted by the victim. An altercation erupted and store video shows the victim’s head on fire.
The suspect has prior arrests and convictions going back to at least 2005. Burton was found guilty of first-degree residential burglary in 2006. He was sentenced to 15 years in state prison in May 2007 for second-degree robbery. He was arrested a few times for parole violations.
