Convenience stores, with their easy access and ready cash source, are frequently targeted by those bent on armed robbery. Unfortunately for the crooks, owners and clerks aren’t always willing victims.
Following are five episodes of armed citizens defending themselves while inside convenience stores, all within a four-month period just last fall.
A mother and her 13-year-old son were at the corner store when two men approached them and opened fire, shooting the teen in both feet. That’s when the mom pulled out her gun and shot back. She said she immediately recognized one of the suspects, stating that he and his friends had been harassing her for years. She had been so concerned she got a concealed-carry license. The suspects fled, firing as they ran, but were later captured. One of the suspects was being held on $250,000 bond, and police say charges are pending for the other man involved in the incident. The 13-year-old is out of the hospital, but still recovering from his wounds. (myfox28columbus.com, Columbus, Ohio, 11/11/14)
Jim Tipton, owner of the 96 Truck Stop, was armed when two men suspected in the robbery and abduction of a taxi driver attempted to rob his store. The two suspects went behind the counter while pointing a firearm at an employee and demanded money. Tipton fired three times. One suspect was held for police while the other was discovered wounded a short time later in a nearby field. The condition of the wounded suspect was not released. No other injuries were reported. (The Winchester Sun, Winchester, Ky., 9/23/14)
Kim and Jim Fee, owners of Rob’s Quick Stop, were suspicious when a young man wearing a black bandanna over his face entered the store around 9:15 a.m. With firearm in hand, the masked robber rounded the counter and headed for the cash register. Jim immediately drew his .380-caliber handgun and aimed at the assailant. Surprised to find a pistol aimed back at him, the suspect fled. The suspect was reportedly still at large, and no injuries were sustained during the incident. (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, Wash., 8/22/14)
Shortly after 9 p.m., a gas station clerk exchanged gunfire with three masked, armed robbers using the firearm he legally carried, thus protecting a co-worker from harm. The clerk sustained injuries to his hip and leg that were determined to be non-life-threatening. Two of the 20-year-old suspects were taken to the hospital and later died. The third suspect was reportedly still being sought by police, who were investigating other convenience store robberies in the area. (The Repository, Canton, Ohio, 9/14/14)
When a 20-year-old suspect entered a convenience store, confronted the owner and attempted to pistol-whip him, the would-be victim retrieved his own gun, called 911 and kept the suspect inside the store until police could arrive. The suspect was arraigned on charges of armed robbery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. (Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod, Mass., 9/12/14)
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