Shopkeeper fends off armed raider
Detectives have commended a courageous shopkeeper who chased off a gun-wielding raider who tried to rob a Washington store.
Christopher Allison, 31, pointed a gun – which turned out to be a blank-firing handgun – at the worker as he attempted to rob the Best One shop in Concord, Washington, just two days after Christmas.
CCTV caught the moment the victim then bravely leaned over the counter and tried to grab the gun, before he chased the offender out of the store empty-handed.
Now Allison, of Johnson Terrace, Sulgrave, has been jailed for two years and four months after admitting attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, April 2.
Detective Constable Lauren Urwin, who investigated the case, said: “First and foremost, I would like to commend the shopkeeper for the incredible bravery that he showed when finding himself in an incredibly hostile and distressing situation.
“While we would never encourage members of the public to do anything that puts themselves in harm’s way, the victim, in this case, was put in an incredibly difficult position and was unaware the weapon was an imitation.
“He should be very proud of his actions.
“Christopher Allison proved himself to be a dangerous individual who put his own selfish needs over the welfare of others.
“While nobody was injured in this particular incident, he must realise the significant and harmful effect that his behaviour can cause for victims and their families.
“I am pleased that the judge has now handed him a custodial sentence, and he now must deal with the very serious consequences of his actions.
“We will continue to do all we can to make sure violent and dangerous individuals are put before the courts and ultimately taken off our streets.”
In a statement read out at court, the shopkeeper admitted he thought Allison could have killed him.
“When the man pointed the gun at me, I felt like it might be the last day of my life,” he said. “He seemed nervous. I kept thinking he was so nervous he might have killed me.”