Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small reported the frightening confrontation unfolded at the Happy Day Food Market in the Kingsessing neighborhood.
The suspect, believed to be in his late 20s, entered the small business holding a firearm with his face partially covered. Small said he pointed the gun at one of the employees and went behind the counter to the cash register.
With the gun aimed at the worker, he began pulling money from the register and stuffing it in his pockets. “That’s when the store employee who was also behind the counter pulled his weapon and fired several shots,” Small recounted.
Medical personnel pronounced the alleged robber dead at the scene a short while later.
Small said the money stuffed into the man’s pockets could clearly be seen. There was also money scattered on the floor around his body. As the suspect was apparently armed, police are treating the shooting as an incident of self-defense.
The brave clerk stayed and cooperated with the investigation. Authorities said the location had been previously targeted.
The City of Brotherly Love is experiencing a surprising positive trend relating to violent crime. After logging back-to-back years with over 500 murders, the homicide rate has plunged almost 25% in 2023 compared to the same period last year.
There have been over 100 fewer homicides reported thus far.
Despite the Wednesday incident at the corner market, armed robberies are also in decline by about 10%. But even with these laudable numbers, it is wise to exercise Second Amendment freedoms and be prepared. One store clerk last week demonstrated that lesson plainly for all to see.
