The Cass County Prosecutor’s office will not be pressing charges against a man who shot an armed robber at a gas station last month.
It says the incident occurred at the Marathon Gas Station near Broadway and Water streets the night of July 27.
The suspect, 35-year-old Cordeleus Martin, went into the gas station, put on a mask, and tried to rob the store using a box cutter for a weapon. However, a customer in the store shot him and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.
The suspect is facing several charges, including armed robbery, and has a preliminary exam set for August 28.
Meanwhile, the prosecutor’s office has reviewed the conduct of the customer who shot him. It says, “Whenever a firearm is discharged and an individual injured, it is the routine practice of law enforcement and prosecutors to review that matter to determine what response, if any, is required.”
The prosecutor notes the customer had a valid Michigan Concealed Pistol License, and it has determined the customer’s actions were “lawful and justified” under the defense of others doctrine, which it says has roots in Michigan going back to the 1800s.
No charges will be pursued against the customer.
