Armed customer who shot, wounded robber at Michigan convenience store will not face charges

The Michigan gas station customer who calmly shot an attempted armed robber in July while holding a six-pack of beer will not be charged, according to the prosecutor.

Cordelius Anthony Martin, 35, a repeat offender with an extensive criminal record, was met with seven bullets by a law-abiding customer when he attempted to rob a Stone Lake Marathon gas station in Cassopolis, MI. Martin has been arraigned on charges of armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed, and felonious assault, according to Wood TV 8.

According to the Cass County prosecutor’s office, the unidentified customer who had shot Martin will not face any charges, after the office determined that the customer's actions were "lawful and justified" in order to defend himself and the clerk.

The customer, who is seen in surveillance video calmly firing off shots at Martin while holding a six-pack of beer, had a valid concealed carry pistol license and previously worked as a security guard, according to the prosecutor's office.

According to police, Martin brandished a box cutter and threatened the clerk. The customer then pulled out a handgun and shot the would-be robber seven times, as seen on surveillance footage. 

Michigan law states that a person may use deadly force against another person if they "honestly and reasonably" believe that doing so is necessary to stop someone from dying or suffering serious bodily injury, according to the network.

Martin was arraigned on charges on Aug. 18 and is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.