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Mattapan Clerk Shoots Would-Be Robber Armed With Hammer

MATTAPAN (CBS) - A would-be thief was shot and seriously injured when a store clerk opened fire at the suspect inside Essential Body Herbs on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan about 7:00 p.m.

The suspect, 47-year-old Robert Sims of Boston, was listed in serious condition at Boston Medical Center after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He is expected to survive and will be charged with armed robbery.

Police say the unidentified clerk was licensed to carry a firearm, and apparently not afraid to use it when Sims entered the store armed with a hammer.

Neighboring store clerks believe he was right to defend himself.

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports.

"I'm glad he defended himself. People need to learn we work hard," said Felix Rodriguez of Lili's Market.

He believes storefront workers are too vulnerable to crimes like this.

"Imagine somebody attacked me behind the counter, what would I do?" he asked.

Boston police say the suspect was transported to the hospital, where his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Police say they don't know if the clerk was actually hit before firing.

Rudy Edwards, who knows the clerk in the neighborhood, says he's someone who is always looking out for everybody else.

"He's a cool guy, looks out for people around here. People go in and talk to him, he's always a happy guy," said Edwards

No charges are expected for the clerk.

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