Self-defence in the News - No. 64

Shop owner wrestles gunman 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/10187535/Shop-owner-wrestles-gunman 

BLAIR ENSOR

22/06/2014 

A dairy owner bravely wrestled a gun from a masked man who walked into his store and demanded cash and cigarettes.  

Police are looking for the would-be robber who fled empty-handed from Yaldhurst Discount Dairy, on Yaldhurst Rd, Christchurch, about 6.35pm, yesterday.

An air rifle was left at the scene. 

Detective Sergeant Hamish Wilson said the dairy owner initially complied with the gun-toting man's demands but took matters into his own hands when he realised it was not a high-powered rifle.

"When the robber has pointed the firearm over the counter the [owner] grabbed the barrel and wrestled it off him," Wilson said.

"Whilst the dairy owner was lucky on this occasion to escape without injury we would recommend that anyone in that situation comply with the demands of the robber and contact police as soon as possible."  

The alleged robber was described as a European, of medium build, 1.8m tall and wearing a grey jacket over the top of a black hoodie. His face was covered with a black cloth.

Anyone with information is asked to call Christchurch police on 03 363 7400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- The Press