New surveillance footage in Cassopolis gas station robbery

CASSOPOLIS, Mich. - An attempted robbery occurred in a Cassopolis gas station on Thursday, July 27, and was stopped by a customer, in legal possession of gun, who's now hailed as a hero. 

New surveillance video surfaced on Monday, August 21 of how a Good Samaritan intervened. 

“This is a pretty tight knit community; everyone watches out for each other,” said Matt Wheeler, a resident of Cassopolis. 

35-year-old Cordeleus Anthony Martin of Dowagiac is now charged with armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

In the newly released surveillance video, Martin is seen putting a mask over his face and attempting to rob the store clerk with a knife.  

Another customer in the store at the time, who did possess a valid concealed pistol license, shot at Martin multiple times.  

While many believe the armed customer acted heroically, Cass County prosecutor Victor Fitz feels that he needs to review all the facts before determining whether his actions were justified.     

“Any time there is a shooting or somebody gets injured, its incumbent upon law enforcement and the prosecutor's office to take a look at it and do our due diligence and that’s almost without exception, the prosecutor is going to do that, but that will be balanced with the fact that we do have laws that provide for the defense of self and defense of others and situations where that is called for,” said Fitz.  

Meanwhile neighbors in the area are giving praise to the customer who they call a hero.  

‘It's a good place to come, the people are friendly that work here, I've known sunny for about 11 years now, I'm glad nothing happened to anybody in there, I'm glad there was a hero standing there with a gun, I hope to god they don’t try to charge the guy,” said Jeff Glaser, a resident of Cassopolis.  

Martin, who was recently released from the hospital, has three prior felony convictions so he could face life in prison if convicted.  

He is expected to be in court within the next couple of weeks. 

UPDATE---

The Cass County Prosecutor's Office announced the man who fired his gun will not face charges for shooting the suspect. 

Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the customer carried a legal "Conceal and Carry" license and his actions were "lawful and justified" when it came to defending himself and the store clerk.