Reports are coming in of a violent attack Wednesday night in Tucker which has left a convenience store owner badly injured and in hospital.

"Mr. Patel was severely beaten with a sledgehammer," long-time customer Denise Pounds told Patch. "I went in to the store this morning and the day manager informed us of the tragedy. She is very upset. She said three black men came into the store and proceeded to ask for money and then began beating him for no reason as they knew where the cash register is."

The attack occurred at Happy Food Mart on Idlewood Road. Patel has been hospitalized and "is not doing too well," according to Pounds. "He is such a nice man and has been a Tucker fixture at that store for years. He did not deserve this. He would have given them the money."

The men got away and security cameras caught the assault. Calls placed to the Tucker Precinct for more information have not yet been returned. Patch will have more details as they become available.