Jonesboro, Georgia

From Atlanta’s WSBtv.com of September 20, 2005

Merchant Turns Tables on Gunman

Store Owner Says He Had Been Victimized in the Past

A robbery suspect was recovering Tuesday afternoon at a Clayton County hospital after he was shot by a store merchant during a botched hold-up attempt, police said.

Keston Scott, 22, was rushed to Southern Regional Medical Center for treatment after he sought help there for a gunshot wound. Tracye Bryant, a hospital spokeswoman, said the man's wounds were not believed to be life-threatening.

Police said they planned to charge him with armed robbery and aggravated assault in connection with the incident, which occurred shortly after 9 a.m.

John Butts, the owner of John's Discount Store, which is located in the 200 block of North Main Street, said he shot the man with his .357 magnum gun after the suspect walked into his store with a gun and demanded money.

"He tried to shoot me first but I pulled my gun and shot him," said Butts, adding that he fired three times at the suspect. "You have to work if you need money, just like me. I work 16 and 17 hours every day seven days."

Butts said after he shot the suspect the man ran out of the store and crawled into a white car, which sped away.

A short time later, a man suffering from gunshot wounds sought medical help at Southern Regional Medical Center.

It was not immediately clear if any customers were in the store at the time of the shooting, which was captured by surveillance cameras posted inside the building.

Police said the owner of the store has not been charged, although the assailant captured on the surveillance tape apparently matches the identity of the man who sought help at the hospital.

"I don't encourage anyone to confront a would-be robber," said police Sgt. Wayne Woods. "The safest thing normally is to comply with their wishes because we don't want anyone hurt."

Butts said his store has been robbed at least two times in the past. He said he would pull out his gun again if he has to.

"If you do it one time I don't think they will bother you again," he said.