Woman speaks out after alleged assault at Mandella Market

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — It has been a chaotic week at Buffalo’s Mandella Market after witnesses say a woman was attacked by store workers, sparking protests outside the store on both Wednesday and Thursday.

On Thursday, the woman who was allegedly attacked, Battina Williams, spoke out along with her family.

“I feel insulted and I felt very upset about it,” said Williams, who claims she was attacked by employees at the market located at Jefferson Avenue and Broadway Avenue.

Williams said the incident stemmed from a dispute days earlier over change from a purchase.

“The other man behind the counter showed me the footage of it. He told the owner, and then he went into the office and pulled out a stick and started hitting me,” said Williams.

Witness Jaelin Watson, who intervened in the incident, also spoke out and provided images taken from a video obtained by WIVB News 4.

“It wasn’t that serious for any of that to go down, I could tell you that,” said Watson. “There were 7 to 10 men in the store total attacking her, three that I stopped.”

“They hit my hand, it is swollen a little bit,” said Williams.

Watson said the men used a metal stick, striking Williams and forcing her into a corner. In the video provided, Watson can be seen grabbing the stick before being chased by the alleged workers.

“I had to fight for my life, I feel. I was in an enclosed area, outnumbered. I had to run. I was in fear of being targeted,” he said.

Buffalo Police say officers responded to a trespassing call at the store around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night.

A police report obtained by News 4 indicates that Williams left the store on her own and stated she had been struck and had her hair pulled.

In response to the incident, the city has taped a “Cease All Operations” sign on the store.

The alleged attack has since sparked community protest. Large crowds gathered at Jefferson and Broadway on Wednesday. Among them was Williams’ sister, Gabrielle Cromer.

“They were saying that she was trespassing. I don’t see how you’re trespassing in a public place. That was not trespassing. They beat on my sister with pipes and sticks for no apparent reason,” said Cromer.

Protests continued Thursday at Mandela Market’s East Ferry Street location. Upon arrival, News 4 observed no city cease operations sign, but the front door was secured with locks and chains, a handmade “Closed” sign, and protestors were blocking access to the gas pumps.

“We want a guarantee from city officials that we’re going to team up with inspectors and start going around all these stores in our community, making sure that they have the proper licenses and paperwork,” said Boyd. “We need them to stop abusing and beating on our people. And again, until we get that, there’s not going to be much peace, and they’re not going to make any money.”

Community members say protests against Mandela Market operations will continue throughout the week.

News 4 has reached out to store owners for comment but has not heard back. Police say the investigation is ongoing. The police report confirms that camera footage from the incident is being reviewed as part of the investigation.