Clerk Chases Armed Robber Out of Murrieta Store

The worker decided to take a stand when he realized his masked assailant was trying to hold up the USA Gas Station on Winchester Road at around 2:04 a.m. with a pellet gun.

A store clerk chased an armed robber out of a store in Murrieta on Monday.

The worker decided to take a stand when he realized his masked assailant was trying to hold up the USA Gas Station on Winchester Road with a pellet gun.

He challenged the man after his co-worker pointed out the robber was brandishing a non-lethal weapon during the failed heist, which occured  at around 2 a.m.

And when Dennis, who works the graveyard shift at the outlet, said he was going to produce his own firearm the criminal fled the scene, escaping into a nearby field.

"I walked up and I said, 'yep that's a pellet gun,' and I asked him what he was going to do with it, Dennis said, "(He said) 'Well I want a thousand dollars,' and I'm like 'really?' I said, 'there’s only $50 in the drawer.'"

He then told the crook he had a gun stored underneath his counter, and when he bent over seemingly to retrieve it the man ran away.

Dennis chased after him, but was unable to stop him making his escape.

Murrieta Police Department patrol units arrived on the scene within minutes of the call and set up a perimeter, but they were unable to catch the suspect despite an extensive search.

Investigators believe the thief  is responsible for two similar robberies that occurred on January 13 and January 20.

And while officers do not recommend victims follow Dennis’ lead, he was unrepentant about his actions.

"If you want to call it crazy, call it crazy… I don't put up with much," Dennis said.

He is also hoping the perpetrator has learned his lesson, as things could turn out much differently in future encounters.

"If I’m not packing, someone else is going to be packing and he’ll get shot," Dennis said.

The suspect is believed to be aged between 20 and 25-years-old, is around 5’7", 160 pounds, with a thin build.

During the robbery he wore a black jacket, black jeans, and a black ski mask with a white threaded design near the mouth.

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