Ashtabula, Ohio

From the Ashtabula Star Beacon of November 16, 2005

Thief can dish it out but can't take it

Intruder runs when store owner fires his own gun

A convenience store owner thwarted an attempted robbery Monday by firing a shot of his own, according to an Ashtabula Police Department report.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. at BB’s Mini Mart at 515 Center St., next door to the Eagles Lodge, the report said.

"The intruder reached under his jacket as if he had a gun," Capt. Gerald Cornelius said. "The owner fired a single blast from his gun."

The weapon was fired into the air, but it was enough to ward off the intruder, who is described as being a black male. He wore a mask and dark clothing.

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, said he couldn’t take a chance. A man entered his store and demanded money. He did not get any money or merchandise from the store.