Store Owner Whups Surly Patron, 13

DECEMBER 29--Meet Lonnie Grigsby. The Miami convenience store owner is facing arraignment Friday on charges that he beat a 13-year-old girl with his belt after she snapped at him while trying to buy a bag of potato chips. According to the below police report, after Grigsby and the child got into a "verbal altercation," the 52-year-old businessman instructed another patron to lock the store's door. He then allegedly removed his belt and started whipping the girl's buttocks and legs. Grigsby, free on $6500 bail, has been charged with misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment, a felony. He is scheduled for a January 2 appearance in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court. (2 pages)