Man With Toy Pistol Shot, Killed During Robbery Attempt

Man With Toy Pistol Shot, Killed During Robbery Attempt
A photo shows an officer (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Epoch Newsroom
2/29/2016
Updated:
11/29/2016

A Pennsylvania man attempted to rob a 67-year-old man with a toy gun, but police said the plan badly backfired.

The elderly would-be victim was armed and shot the robbery in Cobbs Creek Park in Upper Darby, NBC10 reported. The robbery suspect, who is in his 20s, was carrying a pellet gun, which he pointed at the man.

The older man then produced a .38-caliber handgun, which he has a concealed carry permit to carry, and opened fire. The robber died on the scene, according to the NBC report.

Officials said that they don’t believe the shooter committed a crime. “At this point, I don’t see any charges being filed,” Upper Darby police Superintendent Mike Chitwood told the Delaware County Daily Times.

Police further revealed that the robber ran up behind the victim. “When he turns around, he sees a guy with a mask covering half of his face and he’s got a gun in his right hand,” Chitwood said.

The older man then attempted to grab the robber’s gun and a struggle ensued.

“This is a 67-year-old tangling with a much younger man — and as (the robbery victim) starts to lose his balance, he reaches into his waistband and pulls out his gun, a .38-caliber revolver,” Chitwood added. “As he’s falling backwards, he fires one shot.”

He said that the victim “did a great job” in defending himself.

A second suspect was involved in the robbery attempt, and he wasn’t yet located, NBC reported.