Worker Acts in Self-Defense Under Ohio’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law
Kendrick Watson, a 41-year-old employee at a Circle K in Stow, Ohio, found himself in a life-threatening situation just before dawn on November 2. According to police reports obtained by Cleveland’s WKYC, masked assailants intentionally rammed a stolen minivan into the store’s entrance, attempting a brazen robbery caught on surveillance footage.
Watson told authorities he fired seven shots from his legally owned handgun when four masked individuals rushed toward the store from a second stolen vehicle. His actions sent the would-be robbers fleeing—one suspect was later arrested while three remain at large.
Legal Protection vs. Company Policy
While local authorities confirmed Watson won’t face charges under Ohio’s ‘stand your ground’ law, his employer terminated his six-year employment citing their no-weapons policy. “I knew that was coming,” Watson told reporters, “but my only issue was this was an extreme situation where I believed my life and my coworker’s life were in danger.”
Police reports indicate Watson’s gunfire struck one vehicle, a gas pump, and a structural support—they have since returned his firearm after completing their investigation.
Community Support Emerges
Ohio’s broad concealed carry laws allow citizens to arm themselves without permits, though licenses are encouraged. As Watson searches for new employment, a GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $11,000 to help cover expenses. “It was a traumatic experience,” Watson wrote on the fundraising page, thanking supporters while he “figure[s] out my next steps.”
Both vehicles used in the attempted robbery had reportedly been stolen from Cleveland prior to the incident.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2026/11/11/police-ohio-worker-legally-fires-on-robbers-van-smashing-into-gas-station-gets-fired-by-employer/