Park Hills store owner hospitalized after attack, robbery

PARK HILLS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Jose Gonzalez, the 84-year-old owner of Jose’s Flea Market in Park Hills, remained in a St. Louis hospital Friday after he was attacked and robbed in his store Wednesday, according to Park Hills police.

The St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged William Ortiz with robbery, assault and armed criminal action. Ortiz is in jail and being held on a $300,000 bond.

Police said Gonzalez was hit in the head and face with a wooden handle and socks with rocks in them.

Bishop Dr. Gordon Sr. and Tamera Corcoran stopped into the store Wednesday and found Gonzalez injured.

“It was horrifying when we found him. It was blood all over the place, which the blood trail led us to him,” Gordon said. He said Corcoran called 911.

Corcoran said they went into the store looking for their things.

“We walked in looking for our things, and then made a lap around the store. When I saw the glass and the blood, I asked Bishop, I said, ‘Did you see this?” Corcoran said.

Corcoran said they went straight to the back of the store.

Corcoran said police apprehended a suspect within a couple of hours. Surveillance video from nearby businesses helped to identify Ortiz.

Lisa Ann, a friend and customer of Gonzalez, said Gonzalez told her what happened.

“I said, what happened? He said, ‘the guy came in, started psh, psh, psh, psh. He said, for no reason, and took his wallet. Didn’t even bother. No money in the cash register. Stole nothing else, and ran out,” Ann said.

Corcoran said she visited Gonzalez at the hospital Friday. She said she has been in contact with his daughter, his granddaughter and the hospital.

“The doctors have reassured us that he’s going to be okay. It’s going to be quite a road to recovery,” Corcoran said.

Ann said Gonzalez is alert.

“He’s still beat up real bad. They had to stitch him in his face and fix his head and a lot of bruises,” Ann said.

Jose’s Flea Market has been a fixture on Main Street in Park Hills for more than 30 years.

Ann said many people have come by asking about Gonzalez.

“A lot of people come by wanting to know how Jose was. And people just were so stunned they couldn’t believe it. They could not believe what happened. They’re like, that poor sweet man?” Ann said.

Ann and others who have known Gonzalez for a long time said he offers help and kindness.

“Jose is a good friend. He would do anything for you. He would give his shirt off his back to you. If you were homeless and hungry, he’d say, ‘Hey, come on in. I’ll fix you something to eat,” Ann said.

Ann described how Gonzalez prices items.

“Here, you come, you get them for $4, $3 for shirts. And if you don’t got the money, Jose said, ‘Take it with you and pay me first of the month. If you don’t pay me, that’s my fault,” Ann said.

Corcoran said she has been a customer since the store opened.

“He is a guy that if you come in looking for a hat, and you have $2, and you say, ‘that’s all I have for gas,’ he’ll say, ‘I’ll take 50 cents for it.’ He’s just an absolutely wonderful person, and he didn’t deserve this at all,” Corcoran said.

Gordon, who lives up the street from the store, said he first met Gonzalez after moving to the area a year ago.

“I found him to be warm and gracious. I live right up the street. I’m a secondhand type of shopper. So I wandered in, and he was very gracious, very welcoming,” Gordon said.

Friday night, community members gathered outside the store for a vigil to show support for Gonzalez.

Ann spoke during the vigil.

“This happened in broad daylight. I’m angered. I’m angered and I’m mad. I want that guy to pay for what he did to that poor man,” Ann said.

In her interview, Ann also had a message for Gonzalez.

“Know that the community is behind him,” Ann said.