An employee at a Smokers Town tobacco and vape shop in Florence County, South Carolina, shot and killed an alleged armed robber late Wednesday night, according to local news reports.
The incident unfolded around 10:15 p.m. when a suspect entered the store wearing a mask and gloves and armed with a gun, WFXB reported. The suspect was allegedly in the process of placing cash into a bag when the store employee drew a firearm and opened fire, striking the suspect at least once.
The wounded suspect fled the scene but was later found by police lying in the grass behind the store. WBTW reported that officers discovered a handgun lying beside him.
ABC 15 News identified the deceased suspect as 23-year-old Raheem Brantley.
The shooting adds to a series of incidents in which store employees have used firearms to defend themselves against armed robberies, a topic that continues to fuel debates over self-defense laws and gun rights.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the investigation, including whether the employee will face any charges. The store employee’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The case remains under investigation by local law enforcement.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/08/15/store-employee-shoots-alleged-armed-robber-dead/