Cashier describes 2 terrifying gunpoint armed robberies
- Previous coverage: ATM, cash, cigarettes stolen during armed robbery at gas station
- Previous coverage: Police search for 2 men in armed robbery of Ypsilanti Township party store
A cashier working at an Ypsilanti Township Dairy Mart and gas station early Monday morning details the terrifying experience of having a gun pointed in his face and hearing robbers discuss whether to shoot him in a WXYZ video.
Even worse, it was the second time in two weeks a robber pointed a gun at Michael McGinnis during an armed robbery of the store. Police believe the same men held up the store twice, the station reported.
McGinnis was working at the Dairy Mart at 10131 Textile Road when three men burst in about 3:50 a.m. Monday morning, the station reported.
One of them pointed a sawed-off shotgun at McGinnis, and at one point one of the men suggested they shoot McGinnis, WXYZ reported. Another man disagreed, and the robbers left, but not before taking an ATM, cigarettes, cash and McGinnis’ cell phone.
Investigators found the ATM a short distance from the store, deputies said Monday. It’s believed the men tried to pry it open but were unsuccessful.
The men wore black clothing and black masks, but no other description information was available.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAK UP (773-2587).
Watch the WXYZ video, including surveillance video footage from the robbery.
Comments
patroit728
Fri, Nov 30, 2012 : 12:25 a.m.
carry a gun anyway i would rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6 if its goes down whats the worst thing that could happen you could die the hell with getting fired protect your self at all times so long as its within the laws screw company polices and for the idiots who are doing this karma's a b man your luck will run out you will hit the wrong place one time and you wont be able to take it back the sheepdogs on your heels
Zhuk
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
Thomas, though things may look bad, violent crime stats have been going down for 20 years or so.
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Most retail employers have policies which prohibit employees from being armed even if licensed by the state (in Michigan, the right to bear arms is explicitly stated in the State Constitution, Michigan's State Motto includes the Latin phrase, "I will defend"). Retailers and Retail organizations like Briarwood Mall also have policies which prohibit customers from bringing their legally carried guns onto their property. Huh, isn't it a big puzzle that all of these private business policies don't stop robbers from arming themselves and "having the right" to decide whether to shoot defenseless clerks and business customers? Oh, almost missed this one: an owner of a retail business DOES have the right to decide to go to work armed (because it's the owner's property). They can simultaneous go to work armed and prohibit employees and customers from doing so. I know many shop owners (business owners) who carry concealed pistols - I've discussed the matter with some of them (and they allow me to carry in their store whether or not they allow employees or other customers the same right). On the other hand: some retail employers DO allow both employees and customers to be in the work place while armed. Care to guess which kind of employer has the fewest incidences of employee / customer fatalities due to gun fire? I'm very glad that Mr. McGinnis survived the situation while helplessly facing a shotgun. But shouldn't he and all employees have their right to decide whether or not to defend their lives? Oh wait, both federal and state law DO provide this right - but it's taken away by capricious (and irrational) "company policy" on a case-by-case basis, subject to the will of employers. Given the choice whether or not to allow my employees that chance to avoid being shot to death while working for me: I guess I'd decide in favor of the employees (and my customers).
glimmertwin
Fri, Nov 30, 2012 : 10:04 a.m.
At this particular store, which gets robbed frequently, I think it would be only right for the clerk to have a firearm. However, watching the video, these guys were very "hinky", and I don't know if it would have helped him or hurt him to attempt to defend himself.
Thomas
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
My guess is some of these store owners don't want the liability that comes with an employee shooting a robber. Everyone knows how sue happy this country is. I can see it now, the family members of the robber sue the store owner for allowing their employees to shoot suspected robbers. This country is going downhill fast, especially for Ypsilanti. I live in the area and can't wait to get out.
Zhuk
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
Defending yourself is a good thing... but most people who have a CPL do not train for this sort of eventuality: Its 3:00am, Im tired, three guys come in with a shotgun (and possibly other weapons)... do I: A. Go for my gun and hope for the best. B. Let them have the money and hope for the best C. ? This situation could have ended in several ways if the clerk had a gun: 1. Clerk unloads his gun killing or wounding all three robbers... clerk is hero. Does talk shows, gets an endorsement contract with the manufacturer of his gun 2. Clerk shoots at robbers, possibly wounding one of them... the robbers shoot the clerk, the clerk dies. 3. Clerk and robbers all open fire. The store is trashed, nobody is hit. Robbers run, Video makes the rounds on youtube. Which of those is more likely?
nickcarraweigh
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
At least this clerk can rest easy now. I have absolutely no plans to swoop in and take his job.