Suspect sought in Long Beach slash attack on Dunkin' Donuts cashier, police say

A Dunkin' Donuts cashier was slashed in the face, requiring 80 stitches, and investigators want the public's help in finding his assailant, Long Beach police said Friday.

Store surveillance footage shows a man police identified as Derrick Patten, 24. Police said Patten is seen talking to the victim at the West Beech Street location about 10 p.m. Sunday, with his hands in his pocket. He was behind the counter when Patten walked a couple feet away, then suddenly rushed back to the counter and swung at his face with what appeared to be a weapon with a short blade.

He "violently and without provocation" attacked the cashier, police said.

"This was not a random act of violence," said Lt. Eric Cregeen, a police spokesman. "There was some kind of argument over a girl."

The attack left a cut that was more than 3 inches long, police said.

Cregeen said officers identified Patten from the store video and issued a warrant for his arrest.

The weapon was not recovered, police said.

Patten weighs about 190 pounds, is 5 feet 8 inches tall, has long, braided black hair and brown eyes, police said. He often wears thick-rimmed glasses, police said.

Court records show Patten had been sentenced in 2012 to five days in jail for petty larceny and in 2013 to 60 days for third-degree assault. Both crimes are misdemeanors.

Police ask anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477, Long Beach Det. Thomas Rourke at 516-431-1800 or the department's confidential tip line 516-705-7370.