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NORCO, Calif. — An 80-year-old Southern California liquor retailer proprietor who opened fireplace with a shotgun and wounded a would-be armed robber this summer season has died, the shop reported Tuesday.
Craig Cope died Tuesday morning, and a memorial at Norco Market & Liquor can be held at a later date, in line with a Fb put up. It didn’t point out a reason for loss of life.
Cope was alone on the counter shortly earlier than 3 a.m. on July 31 in Norco in Riverside County when a person in a ski masks got here by means of the door, pointing a rifle and demanding: “Fingers within the air! Fingers within the air!” Surveillance video exhibits Cope firing one blast from the shotgun.
The gunman fled. Surveillance cameras exterior the shop caught him screaming “He shot my arm off, he shot my arm off!” as he received right into a automobile and was pushed away.
“I didn’t have time to be afraid” after the automobile with 4 robbers pulled into the parking zone, and a few received out sporting masks and gloves and holding weapons, Cope instructed KTTV-TV.
One robber got here by means of the door with what Cope stated gave the impression to be a semiautomatic rifle.
“The man pointed the gun instantly at me. It was him or me,” Cope instructed the station.
4 males have been later arrested at a hospital the place the wounded suspect was being handled. The getaway automobile had been stolen in Las Vegas and contained stolen weapons, authorities stated.
Cope was recommended by the Sheriff’s Division. Video of the taking pictures made him a star. Individuals flocked to the shop to {photograph} and congratulate him and to purchase gadgets, together with a T-shirt with the slogan “Don’t Mess with Norco, We’ll shoot your arm off,” KABC-TV reported.
Cope had owned the shop since 1976. After the taking pictures, he suffered a coronary heart assault however recovered and returned to work earlier than having a disabling stroke in October.
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