Charges Unlikely For Store Clerk Who Killed Armed Robber
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police in northwest suburban Wauconda said do not expect criminal charges against a 24-year-old store clerk who shot and killed an armed robber on Sunday.
The family that runs Kwick Shop Liquor has owned the convenience store for 2 ½ years, and said there has never been a robbery attempt before.
Jawad Samhan said his brother, Ahmad, was working the counter around 9 p.m. Sunday, when a masked man walked in, pointed a gun at Ahmad and a customer, and demanded money.
"He asked him for the money. He was totally masked. You couldn't see his face. You only saw his eyes," Jawad Samhan said.
When the customer ran out in fear, Ahmad saw an opportunity, and took it.
"The customer was fleeing, and he saw a good chance after the customer walked out. He walked out, so when he saw it was a good chance, just him and the robber, he just – boom, boom – shot him," Jawad said.
The robber fell at the doorway. The unidentified suspect, believed to be in his early 20s, was taken by Wauconda Fire District personnel to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, where he was pronounced dead at 9:42 p.m.
The shop owners said they're wary in the wake of the robbery attempt, fearing retaliation, and hoping against hope the victim isn't a Wauconda resident they know.
"I wish he's not from around here. I wish he's not from around this community. I really feel so safe in Wauconda. This is a very safe town, beautiful town, beautiful people around here," Jawad said.
Wauconda police said the shooting appeared to be justified, and they don't believe Ahmad will face charges, but they're still waiting for final input from prosecutors.
Police also said the would-be robber was not carrying identification, so authorities are checking his fingerprints and DNA to determine who he is.
