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New Bedford Store Owner Fights Off Knife-Wielding Robber Using Bat

NEW BEDFORD (CBS) – A New Bedford store owner swung a bat to fight off a knife-wielding robber who was attempting to leave the business with a cash register.

The suspect entered Wessam Variety on Acushnet Ave. on Thursday just before 9 p.m. demanding money.

Surveillance cameras rolled as the man, who was holding a knife, leaned over the counter and attempted to take the cash register.

New Bedford Robbery
The owner of Wessam Variety in New Bedford fights off an attempted robber. (Image Credit: Wessam Variety)

As the armed man was trying to take the register, the store owner hit him several times with a bat, scaring the suspect off.

The owner continued chasing the suspect down Shaw Street but lost sight of him near Conduit Street.

Police believe an older model grey Honda may have been involved in the incident.

bat store owner
Wessam Mohamed. (WBZ-TV)

The store owner told WBZ-TV a neighbor found a knife and coat they believe belonged to the suspect and turned it into police.

"I am very, very angry," Wessam Mohamed said. "If I catch him again I don't know what I would do to him."

No arrests have been made.

Mohamed's wife and 10-year-old son were in the store at the time of the attempted robbery.

"After all this work you come in to take the money for free, that's not fair," said Safaa Mohamed.

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