A dramatic video has emerged showing a customer at a convenience store in Cassopolis, Michigan, shooting a would-be robber while holding a six-pack of beer.
The incident, which took place on July 27, was captured on surveillance footage and released this week.
The video shows a man dressed in black, wearing a black face mask, entering the Stone Lake Marathon Mini Mart. According to police, the suspect announced his presence by saying, "You know why I'm here."
At the same time, a customer can be seen approaching the register with a six-pack of Miller Lite. As the suspect allegedly threatened the store clerk, the customer calmly pulled out his gun and fired three shots at the would-be robber, who was still holding the beer. The customer then moved to the side of the counter and fired three more shots before delivering a seventh shot at the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Cordelius Anthony Martin, was shot in the arm, back, and face. He fell to the ground, and the armed customer, who possesses a valid concealed carry permit, held him at gunpoint until the police arrived.
According to authorities, the suspect did not have a gun during the robbery but threatened the clerk with a box cutter. The armed customer later told police that although he couldn't see what weapon the robber had, he could see the fear on the clerk's face.
Martin, who is reportedly a three-time felon, was charged with armed robbery and faces up to life in prison for the attempted robbery. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
Meanwhile, the hero customer is awaiting a decision on whether he will face charges for the shooting. The police are conducting an investigation to determine if the shooting was justified under Michigan law, which allows for the defense of others in situations involving dangerous force.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz stated, "In Michigan, obviously, we do have defense of others as part of the law in Michigan, that you can defend others if they're in a situation that there's dangerous force being used against them. And certainly in this case, we'll be looking at the facts in regard to that."
The store clerk expressed gratitude towards the customer, describing him as a hero who "saved my life."
As the investigation continues, the surveillance video serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by store employees and the potential for ordinary citizens to take action in the face of imminent threats.
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