Florida Convenience Store Worker Pulls Gun on Armed Customer, Disarms Him During Confrontation
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA — A convenience store employee is being praised for her quick action after using her own gun to disarm an armed customer who stormed into the store and ordered people out at gunpoint, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
The dramatic encounter, caught on surveillance video, shows the woman pushing the suspect out of the store after reaching into her purse to draw her concealed firearm. Deputies say she then confronted and ultimately disarmed the man, preventing what could have been a deadly situation.
Armed Customer Identified as Frequent Visitor
Deputies identified the suspect as Calvert Allen, a regular customer at the store who the employee reportedly knew. The sheriff’s office said the confrontation unfolded when Allen entered the store with a handgun, threatened to kill someone, and ordered customers and employees to leave.
The worker told deputies that Allen appeared to be in the midst of a mental health crisis. “He’s going through a mental health crisis; he just got out of the behavioral health center,” she said.
Worker Fights Back and Fires Warning Shots
When Allen raised his weapon, the woman quickly pulled out her own gun and pointed it directly at him, forcing him toward the exit. In the parking lot, deputies say the two wrestled for control of the weapon, with the woman firing two warning shots before striking Allen with her firearm and gaining control of his handgun.
She then turned over the recovered weapon to responding deputies when they arrived at the scene. No injuries were reported during the altercation.
Employee Speaks Out After the Incident
Though the woman declined to appear on camera, she told WPTV that she still carries her concealed firearm and wants to move on from the frightening ordeal. “I just want to put this behind me,” she said.
Deputies said the suspect admitted he had considered shooting the employee in what he believed would have been “self-defense,” but ultimately decided against it because “he liked her.”
Authorities have not disclosed what charges Allen may face but confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
The sheriff’s office commended the store worker’s courage and composure, noting that her fast response likely prevented injuries or loss of life.
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