The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
Twice in the past week, victims have defended themselves during attempted crimes with gunfire.
In the latest incident, a masked man walked into an Oceanfront 7-Eleven early Tuesday morning, flashed a gun and demanded money, according to a police news release. The clerk, who was working with his son, responded by walking to the register and pulling out his own gun.
When the would-be robber made an aggressive gesture, the clerk fired, striking the man, who fled from the store at 3908 Atlantic Ave., according to the release.
About a half-hour later, around 1:30 a.m., a man suffering from a gunshot wound reported to a local emergency room, and officers linked him to the attempted robbery, police said.
Police charged Blake Christian Richardson, 18, of the 1100 block of Bay Colony Drive, with attempted armed robbery, abduction, wearing a mask in public and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He remained Tuesday without bond in the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, according to the Sheriff's Office website.
On Thursday, a College Park man shot a teen he confronted wandering uninvited in his home after hearing glass break.
Medics took the injured teen to a hospital, and officers later charged him with breaking and entering and destruction of property.
Police did not release his name.
Neither the homeowner nor the clerk is facing criminal charges, an outcome which, according to a Virginian-Pilot review early last year of such cases, is typical in self-defense situations.
7-Eleven prohibits carrying firearms into its stores and instructs employees against confronting robbers, company spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said. However, owners of franchises, such as the store held up Tuesday, are free to set their own rules, she said.
"We've talked about safety and that there shouldn't be a weapon in the store because you never know what could happen," Chabris said. "Thank God it turned out well. The employee was OK, and the robber was arrested."
Police also have said they discourage residents from confronting armed individuals, instructing them to leave if possible or to comply with their demands and then call 911.
Kathy Adams, (757) 222-5155, kathy.adams@pilotonline.com
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WHAT???
Quote"Police also have said they discourage residents from confronting armed individuals, instructing them to leave if possible or to comply with their demands and then call 911."
Wrong.... If someone comes armed into my home, they are gonna receive a Glaser Safety Slug right between the horns.
Then there won't be a problem finding and convicting the lugnut who attempted to rob my home, saving the citizens many dollars in both legal costs, and costs to sustain the waste of food and oxygen in jail.
The Company Spokeswoman said:
"We've talked about safety and that there shouldn't be a weapon in the store because you never know what could happen," Chabris said..."
What a load! Precisely, one should have a firearm in the store, or wherever you go, because you never know what could happen. Posession and utilization of a defensive weapon does not guarantee that you will end up unhurt if caught in the middle of a violent crime. It just increases the odds for you. It gives you a fighting chance. It is necessary to practice, train and learn, and have the appropriate attitude, increase your sense of awareness, and quit thinking "That could never happen to me". Nobody is advocating that everyone must go armed, but let those who want to do it. Nobody should decide for the rest of us.
"The man made a threatening
"The man made a threatening gesture, and the clerk fired"
Hopefully the clerk didn't wait that long, and I doubt very much that he did. This was a case of shoot first, then ask questions.
Because of politcial correctness,
it can only be said that he is allegidly to have tried to rob the store. And even if it is all on tape or dozens of eye witnesses, until found guilty in court, it is all allegidly now days.
Now he's Suspected of robbery.
Sounds like more than a suspect.
Masked man points gun, demands money......
And the Pilot as usual SPINS their report by claiming that the CROOK is ALLEGED to have tried to ROB the store. Gimme a break.
Basic Journalism
They have to say "alleged" until the person is convicted. If the guy was somehow acquitted and the Pilot hadn't used the word "alleged" then the guy could sue the Pilot.
where are the parents?
This boy just graduated from High School and he lives in a very wealthy VB neighborhood. What did he need to rob a convenience store for? This is not a crime of ignorance or poverty.
possibility
Needed drug money?
Boycott 7-11
I've been boycotting 7-11 as much as possible for years. They are a well known anti-gun corporation. Great job by the clerk for out-drawing a drawn gun and emerging victorious!