Florida Self-Defense: Gas station customer shoots robber, cops say :: 09/16/2018

A man with a concealed-weapons permit shot one of three men who tried to rob him at a gas station just outside West Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.

He had just paid for his gas and was walking back to his car when three men approached and demanded money. Rather than hand it over, he drew his gun and shot at them, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The wounded would-be robber is in custody and is expected to survive.

The attempted robbery happened just before 7 a.m. Saturday at the Shell station at 2970 N. Military Trail, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Teri Barbera.

“The victim, in fear of this life, discharged his firearm, which he has a concealed weapons permit for, striking one of the suspects,” she said, in a statement.

The gas station clerk, who would only identify himself as Mr. Nasser, said the intended victim appeared unhurt.

“The guy came in and paid for the gas and they tried to rob him and he fired at them,” Nasser said. “He was not killed, but somebody was injured.”

The clerk had just arrived at work when he saw the commotion.

“The sheriff’s office was here for about five hours,” he said.

“All three suspects fled,” Barbera said. “The injured suspect is in custody and is expected to survive his wounds.”

There was no immediate word on whether the customer who fired the shots would face any charges.

Sheriff’s deputies were searching for the other two suspects Saturday afternoon.

wkroustan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4303 or Twitter @WayneRoustan

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-ne-palm-gas-robber-shot-20180915-story.html