Western Reader
In the late hours of a Wednesday evening, an ordinary citizen’s extraordinary courage prevented a violent robbery at a Family Dollar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This incident not only highlights the bravery of this Good Samaritan, but also underscores the alarming crime rates in the city.
Around 10 p.m., two potential robbers, including 20-year-old Nicolas Richard Lee Deas, approached the store as it was closing.
Deas convinced the employee to reopen the store under the pretense of retrieving his forgotten cell phone. However, this act of kindness quickly turned into a nightmare when Deas brandished a stolen firearm and threatened the worker’s life.
Fayette County homeowner shoots intruder believed to be wanted for murder, deputies say
“Good on gun owner!” https://t.co/Bra9oPD4Wz— John kopp (@JacKopp10) September 15, 2023
The terrified employee led the duo to the store’s safe, from which they extracted approximately $1,200. The report further states Deas assaulted the worker with the butt of his gun, striking him in the neck and elbow.
Meanwhile, a nearby business owner heard the commotion and decided to investigate.
Upon entering the Family Dollar store, the business owner found himself face-to-face with Deas, who was still armed.
Displaying remarkable courage, the business owner drew his own firearm, ordering Deas to drop his weapon and surrender. Deas complied, but his accomplice managed to escape.
This incident serves as a testament to the bravery of this local resident, who was prepared to protect his community. However, it also brings attention to the unsettling crime statistics in Fort Lauderdale.
With one of the highest crime rates for a city its size, Fort Lauderdale sees 47 crimes per thousand residents, meaning the chances of falling victim to a violent or property crime are a staggering one in 21.
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In light of these figures, it’s understandable why some residents choose to arm themselves.
In this case, the Good Samaritan used his firearm not for self-defense, but to aid a fellow citizen in distress. Had he not been present and armed, the outcome could have been tragically different.
The incident at the Family Dollar store serves as a stark reminder of the realities of living in a city plagued by high crime rates.
As the city’s government grapples with solutions, it’s crucial for residents to understand they are their first line of defense against violent criminals. Even mundane tasks like grocery shopping can potentially lead to dangerous encounters.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
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