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FORT WORTH, TX — A smoke shop employee in southwest Fort Worth defended himself by shooting an armed suspect during an attempted robbery on Thursday morning, according to local police.

The incident occurred at Artisan Vapor & CBD, located at 4821 Bryant Irvin Road, shortly after 10 a.m. Police responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find that one of the robbery suspects had been shot.

According to the store manager, the employee initially treated the two men as customers and had non-lethal pepper spray in his pocket. However, the situation escalated when one of the suspects suddenly drew a handgun and pointed it at the clerk’s head while the other suspect began filling a pillowcase with stolen merchandise.

Realizing the immediate danger, the clerk responded by drawing his own firearm and firing at the armed suspect, striking him. The wounded man was transported to a hospital, where he is expected to survive. The second suspect fled the scene and remains at large as police continue their investigation.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, no arrests or charges have been announced at this time. The Fort Worth Police Department’s robbery unit is handling the case.

Self-Defense Considerations

This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for self-defense in high-risk situations. The store manager carrying pepper spray was a smart choice—non-lethal options like POM pepper spray can be effective in many scenarios, especially where lethal force may not be legally justified. However, when faced with an immediate deadly threat, the employee’s quick decision to use a firearm likely saved his own life.

That said, drawing against an already drawn gun—often called

“drawing from the drop”—is incredibly dangerous. Drawing a gun will never be faster than pulling a trigger. In this case, the clerk must have recognized a critical opportunity to act, which is why situational awareness and training are so crucial.

Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder that being armed is only part of the equation—knowing when and how to act under pressure can mean the difference between life and death.