Michigan Self-Defense: Roseville party store clerk shoots at armed robbers :: 02/17/2017

In the 23 years he’s owned the Little Brown Jug Party Store in Roseville, John Faranso can’t recall anyone trying to rob the store.

A would-be robber points a gun at employees of Little Brown Jug Party Store in Roseville in this screen shot from video surveillance footage. IMAGE -- ROSEVILLE POLICE

And after what happened there Thursday night, it’s easy to see why.

As soon as two masked gunmen walked through the front door and began to rob the store, they were met by gunfire from a close friend of Faranso and bolted from the building.

“That man (who fired at the attackers) is like my brother, he is licensed to carry that gun,” Faranso said Friday. “The guys came in and tried to rob us, but they took off pretty quick.”

Nobody was injured in the gunfire, according to Roseville police who are continuing to look for the intruders.

The incident took place about 9 p.m. Thursday at the party store, located on Gratiot Avenue, south of Interstate 696.

Roseville police, who released security video footage of the incident on Friday, said the two are seen walking from behind the store through the front door.

“It didn’t take too long -- the whole episode was over in less than half a minute,” said Deputy Police Chief Donald Glandon.

Investigators initially thought one was struck by the gunshots, but after checking area hospital emergency rooms overnight with no results, they believe that’s not the case.

Police said as the gunmen fled, one dropped a revolver on his way out the door. Both men had their faces covered and were wearing hooded and gloves, so police don’t know their ages or race.

As the two entered the store, one stays near the door as it to act as a lookout while the second approached the counter with his gun drawn. He is seen jumping onto the counter, and holding his finger to his lips as if to tell people outside of camera range to be quiet.

That’s when then owner’s friend -- who sitting with Faranso and an employee -- drew his gun and fired several shots at the intruders, who ran out the door and into the parking lot.

Police suspect the two had a car waiting nearby.

Glandon said the owner’s friend doesn’t face any charges for his actions.

“Not at all,” Glandon said. “He felt his life and the lives of others were in danger, as the suspect posed an imminent threat. There’s no ambiguity about it in my mind.”

Video footage shows the two attackers running through the parking lot, headed in the direction of Wildwood, west of Gratiot.

A K9 from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office was called in to help search the area, but was unable to pick up a scent.

As word of the incident spread, numerous customers stopped in the store Friday to express support for the owner. He said the incident happened so fast, he had little time to be afraid.

“We don’t want any trouble, but we don’t want to get killed either. We want to go home to our families at the end of the day,” Faranso said.

Faranso could have taken Friday off after the unnerving incident, but said he valued his customers too much.

“I have to be open for my customers, so for me, it’s just another day,” he said.

As for the two gunmen, “maybe they will think twice before they try that again,” Faranso said.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Roseville Police Department at 586-775-2100.

http://www.macombdaily.com/article/MD/20170217/NEWS/170219623