Worker fired after capturing at masked robbers who rammed minivan into fuel station

News

By Linda Ikeji
11 November 2026, 1:06 pm

An Ohio fuel station employee has been fired after he shot at a gaggle of masked males who rammed a minivan into the shop throughout an tried theft.

Kendrick Watson, 41, was sitting behind the register at a Circle Okay in Stow, Ohio, round 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 2, when 4 would-be robbers repeatedly drove a stolen minivan into the storefront, shattering the glass entrance and dislodging an ATM, police mentioned, in response to 3News.

A second minivan then pulled up outdoors the comfort retailer as 4 masked males jumped out of the car and rushed towards the shop.

Watson pulled out his gun and fired seven rounds, forcing the criminals to flee as he moved to guard the shop and his colleague.

“You just never know what can happen,” Watson informed the outlet Friday. “I was more shocked than terrified. Once they rushed the store, I thought my life and my co-worker’s life at the time was in danger, so I opened fire to protect myself and my co-worker.”

Watson’s gunshots reportedly struck one of many getaway minivans, a fuel pump and a help submit beneath the station’s cover.

Police mentioned they didn’t know whether or not any of the lads had been injured, however confirmed Watson wouldn’t face felony costs.

Watson, who had labored on the Circle Okay for six years, mentioned his supervisor known as later that day and informed him to not return.

“It was just disappointment, really. I knew I was going to get fired because they have [a] no gun, no weapons policy, so I knew that was coming, but my only issue with that was, obviously, this was an extreme situation,” he mentioned.

“Who knows what they could’ve done? So that’s why I did what I did: protect myself and my coworker,” Watson added.

One of the lads, Peirion D. Jackson, 25, of Cleveland, was arrested after fleeing on foot.

He faces costs of theft, receiving stolen property and vandalism, in response to the Akron Beacon Journal. His bond was set at $100,000 money.

Watson has since launched a GoFundMe to assist cowl his bills whereas searching for one other job.

“It was a traumatic experience,” Watson mentioned on the crowdfunding website.