The shocking incident was caught on surveillance footage late last month and was just made public. It showed the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Cordelius Anthony Martin of Dowagiac, arming himself with a boxcutter and attempting to rob the Stone Lake store.
The customer, who is not identified, was standing nearby holding a six-pack of Miller Lite beer. Unbeknownst to the would-be robber, the man also had a valid concealed carry permit and a handgun.
The customer can be seen calmly taking out his weapon and firing seven shots at the suspect. If that wasn’t enough, the Good Samaritan also held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.
Martin allegedly entered the store and shouted, “you know why I’m here.” He then reportedly puts a mask on and threatens the clerk with the boxcutter.
The customer told police that he could not see the suspect’s weapon but clearly saw the look of fear on the cashier’s face. One of the shots fired hit a liquor bottle but others struck the suspect in the arm, back and face. The customer said the suspect went down but then tried to crawl toward him.
The defender then ran to his car and retrieved another loaded magazine before reentering the store and holding the wounded man at bay for officers. Martin was transported to a hospital where he was treated and released for his gunshot wounds.
He was then arraigned on three charges, including armed robbery, and at last report was being held on a $100,000 bond.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the decision on charging the customer will be made when police finish their investigation. He noted that Michigan law allows for defense of others if there is dangerous force being used against them.
As a boxcutter wielded by a violent criminal is obviously a dangerous force, it seems certain that the intervening customer will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy his Miller Lite in the comfort of his home.
As for the intended victim, the clerk credited the customer with saving his life.
