Lafayette, Indiana

From the Lafayette Journal and Courier of September 8, 2007

Robbery suspect at large

The Lafayette police chief says a liquor store clerk who shot at a suspect during a late-night robbery attempt had the right to reasonably defend himself.

A single bullet was recovered from the siding of a nearby building. No one was injured.

Officers were called to Clark Liquors, 250 S. Fourth St., about 11:30 p.m. Thursday after an incident that started when an armed man entered the store and demanded cash.

The sole employee was somehow able to distract the man who then ran away, according to detective Capt. Kevin Gibson of the Lafayette Police Department.

Police are not releasing the employee's name to ensure his safety.

Gibson said the clerk went to the door to see which direction the suspect fled and -- believing the man aimed a gun at him -- fired one round.

Investigators do not believe that any cash or liquor was taken.

Chief Don Roush said case law supports allowing individuals who are faced with the threat of serious injury or death to use force to defend themselves.

"No one deserves to be a victim," Roush said. "He had the right to reasonably protect himself."

Investigators on Friday were able to recover video surveillance and still photos from the liquor store. But it's unclear from the footage which direction the suspect fled, Gibson said.

No customers were inside during the robbery attempt.