Store Employee Shot Tackling Robber

In what police called a “heroic” effort to save his co-worker, 35-year-old Ambioris Pena-Duran of Camden, NJ, died after being shot in Cesar’s Grocery Store.

A robber, estimated at between 15 and 17 years old, entered the store shortly after 8 PM, pointing a gun at Pena-Duran’s 42-year-old female co-worker and demanding that open the cash register.

Pena-Duran apparently came upon the robber from behind, grabbing him. The robber shot him once in the abdomen. When Pena-Duran refused to let go, the robber shot him again. The cashier fled while the two men struggled. Police were called, but Pena-Duran was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect fled the store.

Police said Pena-Duran’s actions allowed his co-worker to escape to safety while he struggled with the suspect.

Police departments generally recommend the following actions in a robbery:

• Try to stay calm. Don’t make sudden movements.
• Do exactly as you are told.
• Activate an alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly.
• Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him or her.
• If you have to move, tell the robber and explain why.
• Try to look at the robber so you can give police a description.
• It’s better to lose your money than your life. Give the robber what he or she wants.
• Give the robber time to leave and note his direction of travel.
• Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without risking harm.

Source: Newsday. com, November 12, 2006