“Good Guy With A Gun” Store Clerk Kills Armed Thug To Defend Self, Customer

Ahmad Samhan was simply trying to make a living at his family’s convenience store in Wauconda, Illinois Sunday night when a masked man came in and pointed a gun at him and another customer in the store, and demanded money.

Instead of giving up the stores $20s, Mr. Samhan instead opted to give the robber .40s.

Authorities said the man was wearing a mask but was carrying no identification when he entered the Kwick Shop convenience store on Liberty Street about 9 p.m. Sunday and pointed a weapon at a customer and a 24-year-old store clerk and demanded money, police said.

Authorities continued to investigate throughout the day Monday but by later in the day said the shooting seemed to be justified.

“It appears to be self-defense right now,” Wauconda Deputy Chief Tom Bender said Monday afternoon.

The clerk, Ahmad Samhan, was working behind the register during the attempted robbery, according to Jawad Samhan, Ahmad’s 30-year-old brother.

“He had a gun pointed at him. I think anyone in his position would do the same thing,” said Jawad Samhan, adding that his brother used the store’s .40-caliber handgun that is hidden behind the counter.

Jawad Samhan, who was interviewed Monday morning as he opened the store, said his brother remains shaken by the incident.

“He was in shock. He was freaked out and crying,” Jawad Samhan said.

“He’s all right (today); it’s just very hard for him. With the help of family and friends he should be OK.”

Jawad Samhan said his brother grabbed the store’s gun from a hidden location after telling the robber that he was reaching toward a safe under the counter.

The clerk fired at the masked man while the store customer fled, according to a Wauconda police news release. The masked man “fell to the ground,” police said in the release.

Bearing Arms