Owner pulls gun on would-be robber -- then gives him cash

When a bat-wielding man walked into a Shirley convenience store and demanded cash, store owner Mohammad Sohail pulled out a rifle in self-defense.

And when the would-be robber dropped to his knees and begged forgiveness, saying desperate economic times had pushed him to the edge, Sohail did the unthinkable:

He put down the rifle - and handed the desperate man $40 and a loaf of bread.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-licler0312833469jun02,0,4182688.story?track=rss">More (including video)...

:sarcasm:

Republican heads must be exploding.

This morning Scarborough said, with a smirk on his face......."I would have taken his knees out, then called the cops"...What an ass!

He is, indeed, an ass.

In all honesty, a chickenshit like Scarborough would have peed his pants as soon as the bat-wielding robber to be entered the premises.

That's an amazing story.

He provided food for thought. May there be many blessings upon his house.

Thanks for posting. Will watch video later when I have time for a good cry. ;)

How nice, for a change. There's definitely a lesson for all of us to learn here. Things are going to get a lot worse before they get better, and if we're to survive the bad times, then we have to do it together. Mr Sohail proved that he is his "brother's keeper".

it's redistribution of wealth and Joe the Plumber would NOT approve.

who make it seem otherwise.

i knew the oligarchy was full of shit, but I didn't know Americans had a reputation for generosity so thanks for pointing that out. :hi:

go on and on about how friendly and generous Americans are.

Yes, individual Americans can be quite giving, and many in the US itself consider the US to be one of the most generous nations on the planet. This is reinforced constantly by politicians using fuzzy math to claim that total amounts given matter more than per capita aid. That is of course completely illogical. On a global scale, Americans are actually very stingy - there are just a lot of Americans to make a big total. Yet, the talking points in the US often tout the US as generosity defined, along with other superlatives such as "most freedom", etc. in order to try to hold the US up as somehow superior. Most often, this is simply not the case. In particular with regard to generosity. This is a key part of the attitude of many Americans that harms US relations around the world - a superiority combined with complete disconnect between the internal US image and the reality of the US's place in the world.

Interesting article (though a bit dated, but the stats on this stuff is always a few years old once we get it):
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2004/12/31/global_analysts_dispute_perceived_us_generosity/

As long as you are redistributing your own money.

That's what makes him a good man.

There's a big difference between that and forced redistribution. Unfortunately our society has become one where *most* people only worry about themselves... and the latest gadget or trendy shoes they can buy. What we need in this country (world) is more caring people like this. And maybe... just maybe... there would be fewer people taking such drastic action.

Note: I don't condone the thief's actions. He's lucky he went into that store and met this man... he could be in a morgue right now.

I watched the video and I could see the true empathy on Sohail's face. I could hear it in his voice.

I hope the would-be robber takes this opportunity to do something more productive than robbing the local stop&rob.

and given the opportunity will. Sometimes, "productive" just isn't an option. He obviously did not want to be there, doing what he was doing. He simply felt like he was out of options.

That said...in my opinion Mr. Sohail is a true American Hero!

Great story.

The depth of courage and heart required by Mr. Sohail to assist one who would have done him harm are the treasures of the human spirit and he a reflective gem of giving principles.
People like him are our best shot at surviving the dog eat dog world we celebrate as a free market, much to our own detriment.
So folks would do well to emulate and those in his community should stop in his store and pay it as forward as he did.

Thank You Sir for being the rarity rather than the rule.

most people would defend themselves, yes. but when he got the upper hand and saw the desperation before him- his heart took over. i would like to think this is the true nature of humanity.

the rarity is that news stories like this aren't considered important by the fear mongering corporate media.

and welcome to DU, jotsy!

All sorts of good will come from that man's act of compassion. I hope this gets a lot of coverage. It's a good lesson.

Not to by cynical, but it's probably also a nice way to avoid said robber coming back to extract some revenge later.

was to pull the trigger.

You're booing somebody who is pointing out that the store owner wasn't simply motivated to "get on the good side" of the would-be robber to avoid a threat of future harm--that simply shooting him would have accomplished that. Instead, his act was one of true charity and grace.

I can't wait to see the video -- I can't get it to work yet.

The store guy may be soft hearted but he's soft headed too...the guy will either be back or robbing another store in a day or 2.

"the guy will either be back or robbing another store in a day or 2..."

Possibly. Possibly not. Education-- whether academic or moral, can be a powerful tool when applied properly.

you know the rest. :-)

Think I read that on a bumper sticker somewhere... and I don't really put too much faith into bumper-sticker philosophies.

camel snot all over everything. (My version of give them an inch. . . .)

I do admire the owner's sense of charity and community, though.

Don't be such a cynic.

:D

But I'm not surprised that someone like you would support such an ideology.

:thumbsup:

I'm also fairly certain this guy knew he was overpowered, quickly decided to go the "pity me!" route, and the clerk fell for it. Bat-wielding man will be back robbing stores once that 40 bucks gets spent on hard liquor and lottery tickets (or meth, maybe). I don't find much to cheer for in this story - sounds manipulative to me.

Oh well.

fuck if it is for drugs they guy would just sell drugs to support his habit. Really if you are going to do crime to get drugs dealing a bit will get you more drugs faster. The robber had a bad, hardly the tool of a hardened criminal.

What's then?

or rob again to eat. The state should step in and give enough aid to pay the rent, eat, and see the doctor when necessary, but alas in the USA that passes for evil, dreaded socialism.

because you are out of money at the end of the month? and you have no equity in a home to get a loan, no credit card to go into debt on, and no car to sell for food?

you would be amazed at how many people do crimes just to eat and pay the rent in the USA.

There was a time when I was often without, and although my parents would have helped me, I didn't want to drain their finances. Fortunately I had my Buddhist practice and I was able to chant for food and something always came to me, so I never had to steal or beg. But since then I have learned that there are also people who are going to use it for drugs or alcohol.

and nothing else.

or am I being cynical about cynicism?

Actually, I think these days cynicism is little more than a pretty trendy marketing technique-- never questioned, looks good on t-shirts, and allows the person to believe they adhere to independent thought...

Underrated? Hardly. in fact, I'd go so far as to say it's quite over-rated, over-marketed, and sung about by all the angst-ridden, self-martyred, trendy pop groups...

redemption by compassion

he would not be out robbing a store, but seeing as there is high unemployment and very little welfare state left in the USA people have to do something to eat. Welfare and food stamps do not cover rent and food. Lots of teens sell drugs in gangs to feed their family and pay for doctors visits, often they are proud to do so and say things like "my mother never gotta prostitute herself again, I gonna feed the family" (I had more than one student say that to me before). So yeah, you have to steal, sell drugs, or prostitute yourself to eat in the USA if you are unlucky enough to be out of work.

We're kind of a messed up generation; most of us can't comprehend being in an openly vulnerable position, let alone being in that position and being given something we need.

And wielding a bat and coming into someone's place of business, demanding money, is not something that should be rewarded.

As for the idea that he was doing it because of "hard economic times", does that give everyone an excuse to use physical violence? Who's to say that the shopkeeper your robbing from isn't it the same position you are?

when people are pushed to starvation then yes, robbing is justified. It is like in the grapes of wrath, you see families starving to death and then people do get violent and yes even steal to eat. Stealing to eat and have shelter is justifiable if you have tried working but cannot find a job and if the country you live in does not have wealth redistribution to ensure that you can eat and have shelter. You do remember the fable of robin hood?

Speaking of "soft headed"...

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That he shot him as a warning to others

probably really was at his wits end

:kick:

:sarcasm:

I'd call what he did "humbling," save that the word humbling just isn't strong enough to really convey the feeling. Goodness and mercy like that are as rare as violet diamonds here in America. *sigh*

What a testament to his faith!

(It's almost right out of "Les Miserables".)

Because he needed a gangster promotion.

no pistols sell for 40 dollars on the black market
and if he were a gangster he would just sell drugs or extort money to make some cash, or rob a jewelery store or a bank, not some small time shit like a corner store. This guy is probably not a gangster at all.

edited note,
also a gangster promotion, like a work promotion, comes from the gang CEO or managers, the bosses. Gangs are organized like any corporation and you cannot just give yourself a promotion by buying a gun. Hell the gang leaders often decide who has the privilege of gun carrying within the gang.

The robber died later in jail after contracting a rare fungal infection of the lungs. He was arrested on suspicion of distributing counterfit currency after attempting to purchase cold medicine from Walgreens.

Wonder if he really converted to Islam or if that was just a sham?

Valjean was caught stealing silver candlesticks from the rectory, but when the police came, the bishop hurried to tell them that he had, in fact, given the candlesticks to Valjean as a gift. That simple act of mercy gave Valjean a new lease on life.

Let's hope that the robber has a similar epiphany.

I'm reminded of the same...

Small acts with vast ripples. :)

Yikes

:eyes:

Who implied it was non-fiction? (Or, should the question rather be, "who inferred that same...?")

and I mean that.

who cares? someone else didn't die that night, and a crime was halted. the store owner gets to be a hero by providing a good example and he's only out forty bucks and a loaf of bread.

Usually they're bullshit though.

Think about it: a robber threatens a store owner with violence, is met with a more powerful weapon in response, and the robber manipulates the store owner into letting him go; in fact, not merely letting him go, but also conning the owner into getting money out of the register, which was his fucking goal in the first place - all against the backdrop of our country's economy spiraling into a black hole, with no relief in sight for anyone.

This is something to feel good about?

And he made his decision. I prefer a stronger response, but, the robber may well have learned his lesson.

and the 40 dollars is great advertising for his store.

What a good person.

and what they can do for people. Perhaps there is hope for compassion on all sides.

I however despise WCBSTV for calling it 1.) BIZARRE and 2.) A ROBBERY. M$M are the only robbers I see.


http://wcbstv.com/watercooler/bizarre.deli.robbery.2.1028715.html

something "positive" in the news...and its not even the weekend yet! ^^

doesn't mean he's a muslim. He could be a Baptist or an atheist. More likely he's a Hari Krishna.

Great story though.

Compassion is a powerful force for good.

"Sohail said the man begged for mercy and said he "wanted to be a Muslim just like me." The two then said a prayer together, he said."

I think I'll go to bed on that one. Nice to see there is some humanity left in this world.

I honestly don't care if the robber didn't have a family and only wanted the money for drugs over whatever.

What I care about is the compassion and trust that the store owner showed.


People who complain about this are no different than the GOP complaining about people who care for an inmates welfare. They see all criminals as bad people and they never bother to realize that people make mistakes. I'm not going to pretend to understand what the robber was going through. Even if he was a drug addict, maybe all he needed was for someone to show him compassion. Maybe that's what a lot of people need. The world would be a better place if everyone acted like that store clerk.

But too many people are afraid to trust the world. When I see someone on the side of the road begging for money, I give them whatever I can. It's not that I necessarily believe what they say, but I am not willing to risk not giving someone who is truly in need money because I'm afraid it might go to the wrong person. Sometimes you just need to take the risk.


So in all honesty you guys just need to cierra la boca.

some of us criminals do not make mistakes, we just like forbidden fruits or herbs.

Precisely the opposite lie that christians tell, about all bad ones NOT being christian.

:puke:

that all Muslims are bad.

He was acting as Christians should...as Jesus would have. Muslims honor the teachings of Jesus...many better than those who purport to be Christian.

Muslims agree that Jesus was a prophet, just not the most recent one, of the same God that Christians worship.

Sometimes I think the clash between Christianity and Islam is akin to sibling rivalry.

Makes one wish the kids would grow up.

But even surpassing Muhammad in certain ways. In Islamic end time theology, when the Mahdi (the redeemer) is hard-pressed by the "Antichrist" (for wont of a better term) in the final battle of good v. evil, God will charge Jesus to lead the armies of heaven to the Mahdi's rescue. Jesus will personally slay the Antichrist and will rule on earth upon the death of the Mahdi at the end of his reign.

Jesus holds a place of immense esteem in Islam. Muslims believe that the Christian view that he was divine is merely an error of human misinterpretation that does not take away from the fact that he was a great and pious prophet of God.

than most of the "Christians" we have here in the USA.

He/she didn't mean it as an insult to non-believers.

The poster clearly stated that the guy was a Christian. Just plain false. 100% false.

He's a true Muslim. End of story.

I don't blame christians for wishing he was on their team. But he's not. And saying he is, is just a lie.

or are Christians the only ones that are allowed to be virtuous in your world?

but he was acting as Christians should.

Sorry my attempt at irony wasn't effective. My comment wasn't intended as an insult as yours clearly was.

It seemed pretty obvious the point you were making was that he was acting in the way that THEY claim THEY do, but oftentimes don't.

The Bible instructs Christians to not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Also, if your enemy is hungry, you should feed him. If everyone that claims to be a Christian lived by the book, this world would be a much better place. I'm not saying I'm perfect by any means.

You aren't alone. :hi:

I know sometimes it's difficult to interpret where people are coming from when all you can see is a person's writing...no body language, and no vocal inflection.

I'm glad it wasn't lost on everybody. :hi:

Just different cultures, I guess.

Am I wrong?

Good for him!

along comes a kind, gentle man who commits one of the bravest acts of kindness during a hold-up you'll ever see, to help a desperate man.

If that doesn't generate just a few little tear drops, I dunno.

:)

:sarcasm:

A good man, that Mr. Sohail.

his muslim faith in which giving charity and forgiving people who repent are seen as commendable acts! what does limbaugh have to say about islam now?

and it's a poor town at that. There are many churches that have pantries and people around here willing to pay for yard work and such. I'm sorry that this man had to come to the conclusion that he had to rob a store to get money when there were other alternatives.

that this is out in the news I wonder how many more people will try to rob him.

And the criminals should know it. No guarantee he won't use it next time.

:bravo:

The store owner made a very good decision, and so did the would-be robber. Displaying the firearm was sufficient to neutralize the threat.

enlightened compassionate soul.

All you cynics and humanity haters: Seriously! It doesn't matter if the guy is lying. The cashier spends a lot of time in that neighborhood, he knows the guy is quite possibly lying. The point is that the cashier gives the robber the benefit of a doubt and the chance to correct his mistakes and move forward. It doesn't matter if the robber takes the chance this time or not. It matters that the victim was willing to forgive the perpetrator and show him that he has value and also to show him a better way of life.

I do not care *at all* if the homeless guy is gonna drink my $2, I just want him to see that he is worth something to someone else. That and possibly help him eat.

Some of you would be some great nominees to the Supreme Court: Empathy Free!

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF "JUSTICE" IS SERVED HERE. The point is the decency of the gesture, letting someone know they matter to others, and the possibility of long-term change.

How can you not get that?

I used to be an assistant manager at a pizza place and several of my employees had just moved from Iran. They could be a bit of a pain in the butt because they didn't like having a woman manager and they would be defiant in little ways that were harmless and a little silly. But I really came to feel a fondness for them, for one thing because if a homeless person came in -- which happened a lot in the 80's -- they would always give them something. They said their religion says they must, as they put it, "give alms." I was impressed, and will always remember that about the Muslim religion.

all through the New Testament of the Bible. It's just that some modern-day 'richer than thou' Christians gloss over those uncomfortable bits about how they should give away most if not all they own in order to help the poor, if they wish to be called true followers of God. Find an online version of one of the older translations of the Bible (like the KJV) and search for the word 'alms' - you'll find it all over the place, and used exactly the same way as your employees used it: help for the poor.

Fortunately many Christians really do try to follow God's charge to help the poor, just as many Muslims do.

I was in San Jose, California walking out of a grocery store with a cart full of food. A huge security guard pushed past me and right in front of me on the street, tackled a guy and threw him to the ground. A shoplifter. Lying beside him were the items he had taken and ran out of the store with. A loaf of bread, a jug of milk, and a box of diapers.

I felt horrible for him. Those items? Those are desperate items. What horror to be so driven to try to grab this stuff and run.

Rhythm and I worked there together, actually--she was the office manager, and I was a cashier. We were on the night shift, so after 10:00 pm we were the only two people in the store, other than the night-time bakery person that we never saw.

There were lots of times that Rhythm and I covered for a desperate-looking father or mother who needed diapers and milk or formula, but was short of cash. We reached into our own pockets so many times that I can't even remember how often it happened. However, there's one woman I'll always remember. She came through the checkout with a grocery cart full of staples--rice, pasta, flour, vegetables, etc., but only one small $3 package of chicken. I thought it was odd, because I didn't see any beans or other meat alternatives, and she obviously not vegan or vegetarian. Then she pulled out her Food Stamp EBT card, gave a bitter little laugh, and told me a story. Her family was under what's called a "Food Stamp sanction." Apparently her Mom had given her a $300 check to help cover Christmas for the kids, and one of her asshole neighbors had reported that "gift" to Social Services. As punishment for not "reporting" the gift as income, her Food Stamps had been temporarily cut. She had about $10 left on the card from the previous month, and was paying cash for the rest--cash that she could ill afford to spend, sadly.

That's when I noticed the diaper bag sitting in the cart. It was stretched at odd angles, and wet in two places. She saw me staring and went pale, and that's when I realized what must be IN the diaper bag. I didn't say a word. I just asked her to hand me the bag. I took about $70 worth of meat out of it, scanned it, called Rhythm over to pay for it out of our own pockets, then told her to be sure and wash her bag because there was some blood on it. She had tears running down her face by that point, and said that she would be sure to do just that.

Not every thief is unrepentant. Since that time, I've had to ask for help with paying MY bills and buying groceries. But whenever we have money, we donate to the food banks and do what we can to help the other poor people in our West Virginia community, because if we don't have each other to lean on, we truly have nothing.

:grouphug: