Jun 3, 2009 6:00 am US/Eastern
Foiled Robber Begs For Mercy, Asks To Join Islam
Incredible Video Shows Compassionate L.I. Deli Owner Turn Tables With Shotgun, But Then Offer Handout
Crook Then Pledges To Take Muslim Oath, Before Splitting
SHIRLEY, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Shirley, N.Y. deli owner Mohammed Sohail, top, turns tide on would-be crook during bizarre attemped robbery that you have to see to believe.
CBS
A shop owner decided to fight back -- with a shotgun and compassion.
The Long Island business owner managed to turn a would-be bandit into a beggar. CBS 2 HD has more on the story of a holdup that ended with a hand out.
When a baseball bat burglar threatened bodily harm, deli owner-victim Mohammed Sohail unexpectedly turned the tables and pulled out a shotgun.
"But is empty, is empty," Sohail said.
The weapon wasn't loaded, but the desperate thief didn't know, as security cameras rolled, catching every second of the incredible crime.
"He tell me, 'give me your money.' I say 'hold on, drop weapon get down,'" Sohail said.
The would-be thief suddenly surrendered, got down on his knees, blubbering and sobbing like a baby.
"He was begging, crying 'I'm sorry. I have no money, no food, no job. My family's hungry,'" Sohail said. "He's really crying, 'please don't call police.'"
Sohail has a soft heart for a man down on his luck and he'd struggled in the past, too. So he struck a deal with the crying crook. He told him to promise he'd never rob anyone again.
With that, Sohail pulled $40 out of his cash register and threw it at the thief.
And then something even more remarkable happened.
"He said he wanted to convert to Islam, that he wanted to be Muslim like me," Sohail said, pointing to the video. "See? He is raising hand here, and taking oath."
They shook hands on the oath.
He told the burglar to help himself to bread, and milk. When Sohail turned to open the cooler, the thief perhaps worried his luck had run out turned and fled.
"I've known Mo a long time. He's a great guy," one deli patron said. "You can't live in fear."
When asked if he hopes his actions left a lasting impression on the crook, Sohail said, "I hope the guy learning, listening, what I did for him, that he be a nice person on this community."
The unknown thief was gone. His direction ... unknown.
Sohail put down the milk. He'd already decided not to press charges.
When the suspect took off without the milk but with the bat, bread and $40, Sohail called 9-1-1.
But he told responding officers he did not want to file a complaint.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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