A man attempting to rob a California convenience store Friday cursed at police when the shopkeeper threatened to call them, but ended up needing to call for them anyway.
28-year-old Marcus Hardin, a gang member with a long history of violent crime in Fresno and the surrounding area, began harassing the store clerk and threatening him as soon as he walked into the Family Food Market on Belmont and College avenues in central Fresno, the Fresno Bee reported.
The clerk knew who the suspect was based on surveillance footage, and ordered Hardin to leave the store or he’d call the police. Hardin responded by ripping off his backpack and throwing his hands in hands in the air, ready to fight from the other side of the counter.
“F*** the police!” Hardin yelled. “Go ahead and call them.”
The clerk took out a handgun and told Hardin he would shoot if Hardin tried to attack him. Hardin ignored the gun, spitting at the clerk and trying to get behind the counter where the clerk was.
“He was much larger, and the clerk was in fear for his safety,” Fresno Police Department’s Lt. Joe Gomez said.
Hardin was shot in his abdomen by the clerk, after which he needed an immediate call to the police department. He was taken to the Community Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for his wounds, after which he was to be booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Hardin has a long history of arrests including thefts and trespassing at the same business, and is on parole for assault with a deadly weapon, the Bee reported. Gomez said investigators are still determining whether any other charges will be brought against Hardin.
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