Good citizens who work sometimes thankless jobs have the same dreams and goals as everyone else. They may toil in liquor stores, fast food outlets, or deliver food at all hours of the night, but after it’s done, they just want to go home in peace after an honest day’s work.
For an employee at Smokers Town in Florence County, South Carolina, on Wednesday night, that aspiration almost ended when a violent criminal allegedly accosted him.
Clerk was prepared for armed and masked suspect
Around 10:15 p.m., the suspect reportedly entered the business armed with a gun and wearing a mask and gloves. The new arrival was obviously not there to pick up a vape pen or pipe tobacco, and the situation escalated quickly.
The man demanded cash from the obviously startled clerk and attempted to put it into a bag. That’s when the intended victim saw his opportunity, and he drew a weapon and fired at the suspect, striking him at least once.
Law enforcement rushed to the scene and found the alleged robber, later identified as 23-year-old Raheem Brantley, down on the grass behind the building.
He did not survive his injuries.
Charges are highly unlikely for survivor of deadly confrontation
The investigation continues, but there are no reports that the courageous tobacco shop worker faces legal trouble. Of course, there are serious psychological concerns for most who take a human life, even in such dangerous circumstances.
Still, the clerk survived the robbery attempt and was able to go home afterward.
It is not easy for law-abiding citizens to comprehend how a young person with a full life ahead of them would throw it away for such foolishness. But the sad truth is that more will make the same bad choices, and those in high-risk occupations must be prepared.
After all, they want to make it home after work just like the rest of us.
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