At 4 a.m., officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a robbery reported at Lee Cleaners on 700 South. The business owner called 911 to report he had been struck in the head with a blunt object and robbed before the suspect fled the store, St. George Police public information officer Lona Trombley told St. George News Wednesday.
Officers arrived within 3 minutes of the call, she said, and found the injured business owner, Ralph Lee Sr., who was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center for treatment for head injuries.
Lee’s son, Ralph Lee Jr, said his father was in the restroom and was struck once as soon as he opened the door. During the ensuing struggle he was struck at least two more times as the suspect went through his father’s pockets.
Detectives were called in to process the scene, and the initial investigation determined that the suspect was a white male between 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall with a medium build and wearing a bandanna.
Ralph Lee Jr. said he couldn’t understand why anyone would do this to his father, who has operated a dry cleaning business in St. George for more than 40 years. He has been known to help other dry cleaning businesses when they have experienced equipment failures and would help anyone.
“He does it because he’s just that kind of man,” his son said.
“He’s a big part of the community here and I just don’t understand how this could have happened to such a good man.”
Tombley said the investigation into the incident is ongoing and police are requesting help from the public.
Anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time the incident occurred or who may have surveillance footage from the area near the business is being asked to contact the St. George Police Department at 435-627-4300.
This report is based on statements from police or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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