Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Foiled robber begs for mercy then asks to join Islam

A Long Island shop owner decided to fight back - with a shotgun and compassion. When a baseball bat burglar threatened him with bodily harm, deli owner Mohammed Sohail unexpectedly turned the tables and pulled out a shotgun.

The weapon wasn't loaded, but the desperate thief didn't know, as security cameras rolled, catching every second of the incredible crime. "He tell me, 'Give me your money.' I say 'Hold on, drop weapon, get down,'" Sohail said.

The would-be thief suddenly surrendered, got down on his knees, blubbering and sobbing like a baby. "He was begging, crying 'I'm sorry. I have no money, no food, no job. My family's hungry,'" Sohail said. "He's really crying, 'Please don't call police.'"

This is raw CCTV footage.

There's a news report here.

Sohail struck a deal with the assailant. He asked him to promise he'd never rob anyone again. Next, Sohail pulled $40 out of his cash register and threw it at the man. "He said he wanted to convert to Islam, that he wanted to be Muslim like me," Sohail said, pointing to the video. "See? He is raising hand here, and taking oath."

Sohail said he and the assailant shook hands on the oath. He told the burglar to help himself to bread and milk. When Sohail turned to open the cooler, however, the man turned and fled.

Sohail called 911, but decided not to file a complaint.

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