Clerk shoots at crook during robbery

A clerk who said he feared for his life fired a shot at a robber who was leaving with cash stolen from a Manchester market Monday night, police said.Surveillance video originally obtained by WMUR shows the masked robber coming into Rodriguez Market and Restaurant at 519 Amory St., and placing a bag on the counter. Police said he claimed to have a gun and demanded money. The clerk handed over some cash, and the robber started to leave the store, officers said. "At some point in time, he felt that the individual was reaching for a gun, so the clerk, who happened to be armed, took a shot and fired one round at the individual as he fled the market," Lt. Brian O'Keefe said. "He reaching into his pocket and that's what got me scared and afraid for my life. As he was walking out he reached and I let one go," said Junior Rodriguez, owner the market. Police said they don't know if the clerk's shot hit the robber. Detectives searched the area, but were unable to locate a bullet. "I was almost at the door, and then I heard the gunfire, and I backed up," witness Jamie Godbout said. Godbout said he was on his way to the shop to pick up a few things. "I was just walking to the store, and before I got to the door, some guy ran out," he said. "And then I heard a gunshot, and I backed up and put my hands up so he didn't shoot at me, thinking I was an accomplice or anything." Godbout said he didn't get a good look at the robber, but police are investigating whether the robbery is connected to at least three other hold-ups in the same neighborhood over the past few weeks. Police said that in the three cases, the robber fits the same general description and was armed with a silver handgun. Authorities said Monday night's robbery was very dangerous, and innocent people could have been hurt. "We don't recommend fighting back," O'Keefe said. "We don't recommend taking shots at people. He has a right to bear arms and has a right to do what he did, but we don't recommend that as a police agency." Manchester police said the robberies are still under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to give them a call.

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