Armed Robber Fires First. Store Clerk Fires Straighter.

Don’t you just love a story with a happy ending?

Ja’Braelyn Bunn, 17, of Youngstown, and Kimani Hodges walked in the store together, but it was Bunn that produced a rifle and demanded money from the clerk behind the counter, according to police. The clerk, believed to be in his 20s, had a gun of his own and opened fire, hitting Bunn in the side and forcing him to drop his gun.

“He demanded the clerk to give him some money. The clerk felt threatened and had a lawful CCW permit, and shot at the suspect,” said Struthers Police Chief Tim Roddy.

Both teens ran from the store, but were caught a short time later.

Bunn was treated at St. Elizabeth Health Center. Hodges is being held at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center. Both are facing charges.

As for the clerk, police are calling the shooting justified.

“In the right situation, someone who is responsible and very knowledgeable with a weapon, they have the right to protect themselves,” said Roddy.

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