A fatal shooting occurred during an attempted robbery at Will’s Food Store in Gaston County, where a customer shot and killed the suspected robber. Gaston County Police report that on Tuesday, Victor Almodovar Jr., entered the store and, brandishing a handgun, tried to extract money from an employee. In a turn of defense, he was fatally shot by a customer who was present during the incident.
Almodovar was transported to Caromont Regional Hospital following the shooting but succumbed to his injuries. The involved customer, who reportedly has a concealed carry permit, has not been arrested as local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting. As reported by QC News, no other individuals were harmed during the altercation.
Multiple sources have contributed perspectives on the unfolding events. An interview with an employee at the scene given to WSOC-TV reflected the growing concern for personal safety, with the employee stating, "It terrifies me that it is so close to home nowadays. I mean, it’s like you can’t even go outside anymore without carrying a gun or something to defend yourself. I mean, it’s really sad."
"The guy that saved her and the customers...he wouldn’t have hurt anybody, but he saved people," said a woman connected to the incident in a statement obtained by WBTV. However, others, shaken by proximity to violence and the sudden finality of death, withheld premature judgments. Gaston County Police is urging anyone with details on the case to come forward and contact Detective M. Rheinson or to call Crimestoppers at the designated numbers.
