Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From Milwaukee’s CBS58.com of January 20, 2005

Clerk Shoots Knife-Wielding Robber

Neighbors of Ayesh Food Market on Hampton Avenue and 19th Place say nearly everyone in the area knows and likes the owner, and police say even a man who came in to rob the store knew him.

"He was armed with a four inch steak knife," said Lt. Steven Spingola of the Milwaukee Police Department. "He originally confronted the owner of the store, who was standing in an aisle, and demanded money."

When a 23-year-old cashier saw the owner in trouble, police say he grabbed the store's revolver and jumped out from behind the counter. That's when police say the suspect started chasing the cashier.

"He was pursued up the aisle by the suspect, and he was cornered near the meat counter at the south end of the store. He then fired his weapon in self-defense," said Lt. Spingola.

While one bullet went through the glass, police say three bullets went into the suspect, killing him. Officers say the store's gun is a legally owned weapon.

"It's completely legal. It's their right to do that. The police can't be everywhere at one time," said Lt. Spingola.

Regular customers were glad to hear no one else was hurt, especially the owners.

"These are good guys. They treat you right," said Henry Blount.

"The owner was in the far aisle shielding a customer from the suspect," said Lt. Spingola.

Police say the suspect appeared to be in his 30s.

Police say they don't expect any charges to be filed in this case.