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Foiled Robber Leaves Store With $40, Bread

Shopkeeper pulls gun on would-be perp, who begs for mercy, food

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 3, 2009 10:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – A man approached a Long Island convenience store counter with a baseball bat, demanding cash; the shop owner whipped out his shotgun, prompting the man’s tearful pleas for mercy. The impassioned display worked, Newsday reports: Mohammad Sohail took pity on the robber and gave him $40 and a loaf of bread. “He was saying: 'I have no money. I have no food. I have no job. I have to take care of my family,’” Sohail said.

Sohail told the man never to make another robbery attempt. Seeing the shopkeeper’s compassion, the man said he “wanted to be a Muslim just like me,” Sohail said. They prayed together, then Sohail said “'Congratulations. You are now a Muslim and your name is Nawaz Sharif Zardari,’” he told CNN. Police are looking for the man, but Sohail isn’t pressing charges. He says he understands the man’s plight.

A Long Island shopkeeper gave a would-be robber $40 and a loaf of bread.
A Long Island shopkeeper gave a would-be robber $40 and a loaf of bread.   (Shutterstock)
A would-be robber was granted a loaf of bread.
A would-be robber was granted a loaf of bread.   (Shutterstock)
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A local TV report on the failed robbery.   (BatmanGMBH)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
J.A.H
Jun 3, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
This story brought me to tears. Sohail is very kind.
paul123
Jun 3, 2009 9:11 AM CDT
Newser001 I brought up the question for the sole purpose of promoting thought and discussion. I personally believe that the press, and comments overall would be more cynical and damning if the scenario played out as I have suggested, however some may disagree with me, and that's ok, but it makes for good, intelligent discussion/debate.
Newser001
Jun 3, 2009 4:39 AM CDT
Why even bring it up; ' I wonder how this story would be received if the shop owner converted the perp to christianity instead of islam...'

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