Holly MatkinArdmore, AL – A retired U.S. Marine fatally shot an armed robbery suspect who held up a local gas station on Monday night, according to police.
The incident began at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Nov. 14, when 53-year-old registered sex offender James Lee Henry entered a Shell Quickmart gas station located in the 26000-block of Main Street, The Birmingham News reported.
Limestone County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigators said Henry, a resident of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, pulled out a weapon and proceeded to rob the clerk at gunpoint, according to WAFF.
A retired U.S. Marine happened to approach the store at that moment and witnessed the alleged hold-up taking place, The Birmingham News reported.
When the gunman exited the store with the stolen money, the Good Samaritan drew his own firearm and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon, according to investigators.
But instead of surrendering, Henry allegedly raised his gun and pointed it at the retired U.S. Marine, The Birmingham News reported.
The good Samaritan responded by shooting him, police said.
Henry died from his gunshot wounds at the scene.
The Marine’s identity has not been released.
Police said he was legally armed at the time of the shooting, WAFF reported.
Investigators said they also tied the suspect to another armed robbery that occurred at a store located in the 200-block of U.S. 31 in Athens earlier the same night, The Birmingham News reported.
Athens police were able to obtain a description of the suspect and his getaway vehicle in that incident.
Investigators said they recovered all the stolen cash from both armed robberies after Henry was fatally shot, The Birmingham News reported.
No one else was injured during either incident.
The investigation into the fatal shooting remained ongoing, The Birmingham News reported.
A Limestone County grand jury will determine whether the retired U.S. Marine will face any criminal charges, according to the news outlet.
No arrests were immediately made, WAFF reported.
Sandy Malone