Store clerk held at gunpoint in robbery turns tables with gun of his own, SC cops say

A armed robbery took an unexpected turn when the store clerk also pulled a gun and started shooting, according to investigators in South Carolina.

The robbery attempt happened around 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at the Hwy. 9 Mini Mart & Tobacco in Pageland, the sheriff’s office said. Pageland is about a 75-mile drive northeast from Columbia.

“Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased ... male with gunshot wounds. The store clerk gave a statement that the (suspect) had entered the store and put a gun to his head and demanded money,” the sheriff’s office said.

“The clerk then produced his own handgun and fired multiple shots at the robber. This was confirmed by the store surveillance video.”

Investigators did not report the clerk suffering any injuries.

The identity of the suspect has not been released.

Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater noted state law gives a victim the right to “meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury.”

“Based on the above facts, and after consulting with the 4th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, no charges will be filed in this case,” the sheriff’s office said.

This story was originally published December 31, 2024 at 10:05 AM with the headline "Store clerk held at gunpoint in robbery turns tables with gun of his own, SC cops say."