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Store Clerk Takes Pity On Crying, Apologetic Robber

Surveillance Video: Store Clerk Takes Pity On Crying, Apologetic Robber

BY Larry Mcshane
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, June 2nd 2009, 5:11 PM

A bat-wielding would-be bandit left a Long Island convenience store with $40 and a loaf of bread after the forgiving shopkeeper opted for redemption over a rifle blast.

The unidentified robber walked into the Shirley Express Convenience Store, wearing a mask beneath a hooded sweatshirt and demanding money, Suffolk Cou More..nty police said Tuesday.

Store owner Mohammad Sohail - in a riveting showdown captured on a surveillance video - instead pulled a rifle from beneath the counter and charged out at the man.

The thief then dropped the bat and fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness with his hands folded. The man explained he was desperate to feed his family but had no money or job, Sohail recounted.

The owner was won over by the sob story. He put down his rifle, and surrendered $40 and a loaf of bread.

Before letting the man go after the May 21 robbery attempt, Sohail made him promise to give up his life of crime - and the two shook on the deal.

Sohail called the police after the man fled from the store, but said he doesn't want to press charges.