Friend in Need.(Richard Connell shoots man in self defense during store robbery)(Brief Article)

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. on July 14th, Channing Michael Page, 27, entered a Shell Food Mart in Gainesville, Florida, wearing a green ski mask. He demanded money from clerk Richard Wilson, 68. When Wilson said he did not have a large amount of money, Page slammed his hand on the counter and threatened to kill the clerk unless he was given three $20 bills. Page kept one hand in his waistband, implying that he had a gun, though it was later learned that he did not.

Richard Connell, 63, a longtime friend of Wilson, was the only customer in the store at the time. After Page made several other threats to the two, Connell pulled out a .38-caliber revolver, which he is licensed to carry concealed, and pointed it at the robber. When Page lunged toward him, Connell fired three shots, striking his would-be assailant three times in the chest. The mortally wounded man was transported to a local medical center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2:00 a.m.