Clerk Shoots Armed Robbery Suspect: WPD

WORCESTER, MA—A man who was shot while allegedly trying to rob a store by knife point will be charged when he gets out of the hospital.

Police headed to 49 Vernon St. on Saturday, May 26, around 8:40 p.m. for a report of a man lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders treated the 26-year-old, who was suffering from three wounds. They appeared to be non-life threatening. The EMS crew happened to be driving by when they saw the man there.

Police soon found out that the man had just been shot as he attempted to rob the No Name store at knife point and was shot by the clerk. Police say that Juan Abhorrio, 26, Perry Ave., Worcester went into the store with a knife, headed behind one of the two female customers and placed his arm and the knife around her neck. The clerk pulled out his personal firearm as the customer fell to the ground. The clerk fired three rounds at the suspect, who was hit and dropped the knife, and then ran from the store.

The clerk chased Abhorrio and told him to get to the ground, and then ran back in to check on the customers.

Ahorrio was charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (knife), Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (knife), and Armed Assault with the Intent to Rob. Mr. Ahorrio’s booking procedure was conducted at the hospital during treatment. His arraignment will be based on when he is released from the hospital. This investigation remains active, additional charges may follow as the investigation progresses.

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