A Dayton, Florida man allegedly attempted to stick up a Dollar General and was shot to death by a store clerk. His family is outraged.
Roosevelt Rappley, 23, died Wednesday evening after allegedly drawing his gun inside a Dollar General and demanding money from employees, WHIO reported.
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Police said witnesses told them Rappley brandished a firearm and pointed it at employees.
Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger told WHIO Rappley was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a police dispatch call released last week, the worker who fatally shot Rappley described the incident.
“I just had somebody try to attempt and rob me over here at Dollar General on Gettysburg,” the clerk said. “Came in with a firearm, threatened to take money out the drawer, pointed a gun at me and my staff members.”
“He pointed a gun at me, I had a firearm on me, I pulled my firearm and I shot him in self-defense,” the caller added.
Dayton police Sgt. Thomas Schloss told WHIO Rappley walked outside after being shot and collapsed.
According to police, the Dollar Store employee was legally permitted to carry a gun.
“Yes, he’s robbing y’all. Oh well.”
In an interview with WHIO, two of Rappley’s relatives spoke out against what they characterize as an unjust killing.
“[You shouldn’t have] took matters in your own hands and brought a gun to work for safety,” Rappley’s sister, Rashell, told the local outlet.
While conceding their younger brother – the second of their ten siblings to be killed by gunfire – shouldn’t have tried to rob the store, Rappley’s relatives say the punishment didn’t fit the crime.
“At the end of the day, that’s not right,” Rashell said.
“He’s got some responsibility, but not all,” she told WHIO in reference to how much blame her brother bears for his own death.
“Yes, he’s robbing y’all. Oh well. Call the police. That’s what you’re supposed to do. You’re not supposed to take matters into your own hands,” Rashell added. “If that’s the case, I’ll take matters into my own hands.”
*see full story by Pluralist