As reported, a Chevron gas station manager shot a violent armed robber in self defense.
Police say that at around 9:20 PM, a robber entered the Chevron gas station in Cocoa, Florida and pointed a handgun at the manager while demanding money. The manager reportedly grabbed his own gun from below the counter and fired in self defense, striking the criminal and causing him to flee to the parking lot, where he collapsed. Police are said to have arrived to find a suspect laying the parking lot, suffering from gunshot wounds to the abdomen. The suspect was airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery, where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Neither the gas station manager nor any other innocent people were harmed. Speaking about this self defense shooting, Police Spokesperson Officer Barbara Matthews reported stated “He absolutely had the right to defend himself.”
Unarmed individuals can suffer a terrible fate when a criminal robs them, even if they fully cooperate with the criminal’s demands. The same is true for those who try to run from the robber.
On the other hand, fighting back against robbers can be quite effective as a means of reducing the risk of injury to the victim. This armed barber shot an armed criminal who threatened him and his son, saving their lives. This armed pet shop clerk shot an armed robber who threatened a fellow employee’s life, as well as his own life, preventing them both from being stabbed. This armed pizza delivery man defended himself against 3 armed robbers, and walked away unharmed. This armed citizen stopped a bank robber, while this armed Israeli citizen stopped a terrorist. This motel clerk was also able to stop an armed robber and ensure that neither her, a fellow employee, or a nearby mother and baby were harmed. Even outside the context of armed robbery, self defense has been shown to be the best course of action.