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Gun-Toting Clerk Scares Off Machete-Wielding Robber

OAKHAM (CBS) - The security system at Route 148 Package and Variety in Oakham is armed with a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Owner Brad Taylor says just seeing it stopped a robbery attempt about 7 p.m. Wednesday when a masked man burst through his door slapping a machete.
 
"He said, 'I'm not foolin'.' He took two more steps to the end of the counter so then I drew my weapon and pointed it at his head and he took right off," explained Taylor.


 
The store owner said the machete-wielding masked man fled through nearby woods and the first police cruiser responded in about two minutes. Police K9s tried to track the hold-up man.

A couple hours later, a masked, machete-wielding man held up a convenience store in Clinton.  Oakham, Clinton and State Police are actively investigating a possible connection.
 
Brad Taylor was a part-time police officer in Oakham between 1972 and 1992. He thinks, ironically, his gun saved the hold-up man's life. "When I saw him start to leave, I was relieved. The danger was over...Yeah, I think it saved his life."
 
Taylor, a lifetime-member of the NRA, said not only did the would-be robber pick the wrong store, he picked the wrong town. Oakham Police say their town has one of the highest per capita rates for pistol permits in the state.
 
Taylor expected to enjoy his weekend but he also figures his is probably one of the safest package stores in Massachusetts right now. He said he also hopes the man with the machete thinks about what he did, how lucky he is to be alive and doesn't do it again.
 
Taylor said he thinks his police training definitely helped him out. He also has military training. He said he his marksmanship won him a weekend pass in an Army shooting competition.
 
He recalled drawing his weapon once before when he was a police officer responding to a house break. He said the burglar started crying and Taylor did not have to fire a shot.

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