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A Woodstock man is behind bars after a brutal New Year’s Eve attack on a gas station clerk who reportedly denied him a job application.
Austin Silverman, 29, faces charges of Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery following the incident at a Shell gas station on North Eastwood Drive.
According to the McHenry County State’s Attorney, the violence began on the morning of Dec. 31.
Officials say Silverman entered the station and asked the clerk for a job application.
When the clerk refused, Silverman allegedly jumped over the counter and repeatedly punched and kicked the woman.
The victim suffered severe injuries during the assault.
The violence didn’t end with the physical battery.
Investigators claim that after attacking the clerk, Silverman walked outside and attempted to blow up the gas station.
He reportedly tried to ignite the fuel by extinguishing a cigarette into a gas pump.
Silverman was arrested at the scene after attempting to re-enter the business.
Responding officers reviewed surveillance footage of the attack before taking him into custody.
On Friday, a judge denied Silverman pretrial release, meaning he will remain in jail as the case proceeds.
His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 7.
