The community has praised an elderly California liquor shop owner as a hero after turning the tables on armed robbers during an attempted heist.
He discharged his shotgun at an armed intruder, who screamed, “He shot my arm off!” and fled hastily with three other suspects.
Just before 3 a.m., 80-year-old Craig Cope was at his Norco Market & Liquor store in Norco, California, when he saw a group of guys approaching the door carrying firearms.
When he noticed a 23-year-old suspect approaching the store, Cope grabbed his shotgun and fired one shot that hit the intruder’s shoulder.
After the suspects escaped from the store, Cope, unfortunately, faced a mini heart attack from the shock of the ordeal and was rushed to the hospital.
Norco Liquor Store Owner Craig Cope Suffered Mini Heart Attack After Shooting At Robbers: The 80-year-old Defences His Store With A Shotgun
Soon after Craig Cope’s heroic defense, he had to be taken to the hospital after experiencing a heart attack as a result of the incident’s shock.
Craig, a cardiac patient, is also improving at his Riverside home. He stated that although he planned to continue working at the shop, he might shortly reduce his hours. That is unrelated to the attempted heist on Sunday, which he called a “terribly isolated” incident.
In 1976, Cope first bought the store and owned it for 19 years before selling it, and around seven years later, he bought it back.
Additionally, employees claim that their employer didn’t think twice about defending the business that he has owned for 55 years.
Furthermore, Cope declined to disclose whether Monday’s incident was the first time the store had been the victim of illegal activity.
Store Owner Cope’s Wife Nancy Claims About His Recovery At Home
Nancy Cope, the wife of Cope, states that her husband is currently making a full recovery at home, much to the relief of his family and his staff, who hail him as a loving father, grandfather, “wonderful employer,” and now a hero.
Besides, Cope’s staff members also shared on social media that their boss is recuperating at home and is eager to return to work.
Tamara Gibbons, a store employee since October, told DailyMail.com that Cope is a terrific boss who believes in offering everyone a chance and is well-liked by the neighborhood.
Likewise, Gibbons remarked, “He’s just very polite and never turns anyone away,” adding that Cope has a reputation for supporting local vagrants. He gave equal treatment to everyone.
Gibbons said only her supervisor was at work when the would-be robbers snuck up on Sunday night. However, he spotted them coming and was prepared to protect his 55 years of business since he had guns ready.
The Suspects Approached The Store Armed With Long Guns
They rushed into a BMW SUV with a dark hue that had previously been reported stolen. Deputies said that other stolen guns were also discovered inside.
When the driver pressed the pedal, he almost left one of the accomplices behind; instead, he had to halt so the final hooded attacker could enter the car.
In the midst of this, deputies responded to an attempted armed robbery call at the store in the 800 block of Sixth Street in Norco, close to San Bernardino, around 2:47 a.m.
Identified Suspects Were Located At A Local Hospital
Deputies identified the three suspects as 24-year-old Davon Broadus of Las Vegas, Jamar Williams, 27, of Los Angeles, and Justin Johnson, 22, of Inglewood.
A short while later, the suspects were discovered at a nearby hospital, where one of them, a male suspect aged 23, was struggling from a gunshot wound that appeared to have been caused by a shotgun blast.
In contrast, he’s still in the hospital, where his condition is critical but stable.
For robbery and conspiracy, the three additional suspects were apprehended by authorities and lodged in the Robert Presley Detention Center. Additionally, they are being detained on a $500,000 bail.