Man allegedly strangles Franklin store employee after receiving water for several days

FRANKLIN, Ky. – A man is facing charges after allegedly attacking an employee of a Simpson County business.

The Franklin Police Department says it responded Wednesday to Dollar General at 501 North College Street to a complaint of an assault.

An employee told officers that Sola Arikawe, 46, was on store property for several days. Store employees provided water and allowed Arikawe to enter the store due to the heat.

The employee told officers that Arikawe began asking customers for money on Wednesday. The employee asked Arikawe to leave the property.

Arikawe allegedly began arguing with the employee before grabbing him by the throat and slamming the employee to the ground.

Arikawe left the scene after the assault.

Officers say the employee showed a video of the assault.

Arikawe was located at 200 Walker Street following an EMS call.

Arikawe was transported to The Medical Center at Franklin for treatment.

Following treatment, Arikawe was arrested and transported to the Simpson County Detention Center.

Arikawe is charged with assault, 4th degree (minor injury), strangulation 1st degree (non-domestic violence) and giving an officer false identifying information.