FALL RIVER (CBS) – A Fall River convenience store clerk took matters into his own hands when an armed robber stormed into his store.

Sunny’s Convenience Store has been robbed several times this year, which is why clerk Jignesh Patel keeps a baseball bat within reach to defend himself.

On Monday afternoon, a man with a kitchen knife tried to rob Sunny’s. Patel, who had just microwaved his lunch, launched it at the man, followed by a water jug.

That gave him enough time to grab his trusty aluminum baseball bat and start swinging

Patel landed several blows, sending the would-be robber running.

Police argue that it is safer to step back, surrender the cash, and avoid confrontation during a robbery.

But Patel’s bosses believe his tough-to-rob reputation will deter future thugs.