Bystander shot, survives tackling robbery suspect at Rock Hill store, police say
A bystander survived after being shot at a Rock Hill Circle K store when he tackled a suspected robber, police said.
The suspect was caught by police shortly after the incident, said Rock Hill Police Department spokesman Lt. Michael Chavis. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the buttocks and hand, police said.
The bystander was a customer at the store, Chavis said. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The bystander who intervened and was wounded has not been identified by police.
The store clerk was not hurt, Chavis said.
Courageous and dangerous
Police said the man who tackled the suspect showed selfless bravery. However, police officials also cautioned that, instead of attempting to handle a crime situation, it’s better to call law enforcement if possible.
“While these actions were courageous and did foil a robbery, the actions do come with a tremendous risk,” Chavis said. “If you are not in immediate danger, it is best to call law enforcement.”
The teen suspect in the robbery and shooting, Richard Stayberg, 18, of Fort Mill, is charged with armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to police and York County jail records..
Here’s what happened
The incident happened after 6:15 a.m. Friday at Circle K convenience store on North Cherry Road. The bystander was outside the store when he saw the robbery attempt, police said. The suspected robber was at the counter where the clerk was retrieving money to hand over, police said in a written statement.
The bystander tackled the suspect, according to an incident report and the statement from the police department. The suspect pulled a gun from his waistband, and the bystander and suspect wrestled, police said.
The bystander was hit when shots were fired, police said.
Officers arrived and caught the suspect who had fled the scene, according to the police incident report and statement. The gun also was recovered, Chavis said.
Stayberg is in the York County jail without bail after he appeared in Rock Hill city court.
This story was originally published July 24, 2023 at 4:05 PM.
