Store Owner Who Shot Gunman Called Hero

Prince George's County Police say a Fort Washington, Maryland merchant who shot and killed a gunman in his store is a hero.

Police say two masked gunmen entered The Food Zone convenience mart on Livingston Road and announced a robbery. But their plan went horribly wrong when the store owner grabbed one of the guns and opened fire.

John Jang came back to his store early Wednesday morning where he told reporters his side of the story. He says he doesn't think he is a hero. In fact, he regrets what happened.

Jang says he was simply defending himself against a very aggressive gunman.

When the gunman announced the hold up. Jang says he was standing in front of the cash register behind bullet-proof glass.

"He showed me gun and said, 'Don't move,'" recalled Jang.

But when Jang stepped to the side to get away from the gun, the very skinny masked man started making his way through the only opening in the glass.

"At that time, I hit something and he dropped the gun," said Jang.

But the man kept coming inside the protective glass enclosure of the store. So, Jang picked up the gun and shot him.

"After a few minutes, I called police," he said.

John Jang says he thinks it was all caught on tape, recorded by the surveillance cameras inside his store. When the mask was removed, Jang says he recognized the man as someone who had been there before.

He wishes it had never happened.

Four years ago after another robbery, John Jang decided to install glass around the counter. There were no further attempts until Tuesday night.

Outside the store on Wednesday, customers were impressed with Jang's actions.

"It's sad that someone had to die, but I'm glad he was able to protect himself because he might have been the one to die," one customer said.

"I congratulate the brother for taking the gun away and letting justice prevail for himself," another commented.

Jang says when the trouble started behind the glass, the second gunman took off.

Prince George's County Police declined to discuss the case on camera on Wednesday, but law enforcement sources say it's unlikely any charges will be filed against Jang.