Liquor Store Clerk Shoots Violent Robber in Self Defense

As reported, a liquor store clerk was given a cell phone, and a .40 caliber Glock pistol by his son.  These gifts were given by the son out of concern for his father’s safety.  These two gifts ended up saving the clerk’s life.  On Monday, the clerk was in his store when an armed robber entered, waved a knife in his face, then tried to stab him in the chest.  The cell phone blocked the knife, likely saving the clerk’s life.  The clerk then drew his pistol and shot the robber in the abdomen.  The robber fled, and a man matching the description of the robber was found at a local hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.  Police say that this same suspect has been charged with a variety of crimes in the past, including criminal trespass, simple assault, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, burglary, theft by receiving, and cruelty to children.

In the past I’ve discussed how phones rarely save a crime victim from attack, since there is seldom time to call the police.  Even when there is time to make that phone call, the police will take minutes to arrive, while murders can be completed in seconds.  However it appears that phones can be of use for self defense – at least if they are positioned directly over the spot that a murderous criminal is trying stab.

The value of a gun should also be apparent in this case.  Had this clerk not been armed, it seems unlikely that the criminal would have given up after one unsuccessful stabbing attempt.  Luckily the clerk was armed, and was able to go home to his family unharmed.  The alleged criminal is also in custody, where he will be unable to harm future victims.  Guns save lives, plain and simple.