Ohio concealed handgun licensee thwarts violent armed robbery

Massillon, Ohio's The Independent is reporting that an Ohio concealed handgun license-holder thwarted a violent robbery in progress outside a supermarket this weekend.

From the article:

The unidentified bystander reportedly was sitting in his car in the store's parking lot when he saw the robbery occur. The man shot Andrew Robinson, 20, of 119 Pulley Place S.E., Massillon, in the groin after he saw Robinson pistol-whip a 22-year-old store employee, according to police. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the store parking lot.

"He (bystander) saw the events as they unfolded and took it upon himself to intervene and shoot the robber as it was occurring," said Massillon police Sgt. Paul Covert.

Police said the bystander has not been charged in the incident and had a license to carry a concealed weapon.

According to police reports, the witness to the assault shot Robinson once before he fled the scene on foot. Officers arrested Robinson after they found him inside an apartment in the 1200 block of 16th St. S.E. Robinson was taken to Affinity Medical Center but was not listed as a patient Monday afternoon, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The robbery victim, an M&K Supermarket employee, was treated and released at Affinity, according to Joan Hassan, part owner of the store.

According to Hassan, customers were thankful the CHL-holder intervened.

"They were happy that someone stopped to help (the victim)," she said.

Again, from the article:

Police are still looking for a second suspect, described as a black male, who allegedly assisted in the holdup, according to Covert.

"(Investigators) need to sort it all out. There are some questions that need answered," Covert said.

Robinson reportedly was trying to sell the victim four packages of cigarettes. After the victim retrieved his wallet from his vehicle, Robinson reportedly started striking the victim in the head with a black handgun. The weapon later was recovered in the parking lot.

Charges of aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony, and felonious assault, a second-degree felony, are expected to be filed against Robinson in connection with the incident, according to jail records.

Court records show Robinson was wanted on charges of robbery, a second-degree felony, and theft of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, stemming from an early morning incident Sept. 21 in the 1700 block of 15th St. S.E.

Robinson allegedly pointed a gun at a 22-year-old man and ordered him to empty his pockets and undress. Afterward, Robinson stole the victim's clothing and a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville.

A complete list of known incidents involving Ohio CHL-holders defending themselves or others is available here.