Armed Robber Discovers Smoke Shop Clerk Is Also Armed — No Clerks Or Customers Were Harmed In The Making Of This Self-Defense Shooting

WACO, TEXAS — Waco police arrived at the scene of a hookah smoke shop to discover a 20-year-old suspect shot multiple times. Inspecting the scene, they discovered the suspect’s handgun — which was confirmed stolen — and that the suspect had warrants out for his arrest.

Surprise, surprise, when Waco police got statements from the clerk and customers, they found out that Cedric Brown, 20, walked into the store, brandished his gun, and fired once into the ceiling. The clerk, fearing for his life and that of his customers, drew his own handgun and engaged the suspect. During the exchange of fire, Brown was hit multiple times. Neither the clerk nor his customers were injured.

According to police statements given to KWTX, Brown had prior warrants for his arrest and was in possession of a stolen gun for the commission of first-degree armed robbery. After he gets out of the hospital, police will take him into custody.

Thanks to the fast response of an employee, an armed robber was brought to justice. That’s always a good way to wrap up an extremely dangerous scenario. This segment was brought to you by carrying your concealed handgun every single day, everywhere you go, and standing up for your life and well-being.

Being a victim in an armed robbery is just not an option for a lot of people. Who can blame them? The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in our constitution and there’s a clear process in most states to carry a concealed handgun. Of course, that’s just the first part of this equation. The second comes with you: regular practice, familiarity with the firearm, and reality-based training are all factors that can make your reflexes sharper. Any advantage in a gunfight is good. Training, practice, familiarity, and situational awareness are all things you can keep in your daily arsenal. Those are under your control. You can’t control for the foolish actions of others but you do have full control over yourself.

This clerk likely would have been happy to go through his career never running into a violent criminal. That wasn’t in the cards. He thankfully took steps to give himself the best possible chances of prevailing against a bad guy with a stolen gun.

What steps are you taking to give yourself that step up?

That’s an honest question we always have to ask ourselves. When you have family and responsibilities to attend to — or you just like living your life — you should take an honest inventory of how prepared you are to keep it.

This clerk did. And we’re glad he was able to defend himself and his customers from harm.