ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A 27-year-old woman, Ayanna Benson, has been arrested for allegedly attacking another woman inside a Dollar Tree store while recording the incident on her phone, according to Rockford Police.
The assault occurred around 10 a.m. on May 1 at the Dollar Tree on 11th Street. A witness reported that Benson initiated the confrontation by placing her phone close to the victim’s face to begin recording. She then allegedly kicked, punched, and stomped on the woman, according to court records.
The victim sustained visible injuries and was transported to Swedish American Hospital, where she recounted the incident, matching the witness account. She also said Benson stomped on her phone, cracking its screen.
Officers later located and arrested Benson in the 1100 block of Lincoln Avenue. She admitted to the attack and told authorities she had fled the scene in a white GMC with a friend.
Benson has been charged with aggravated battery in a public place and criminal damage to property. Despite the violent nature of the incident, she was granted pretrial release the following day.
