Clerk pulls gun, good Samaritan tracks down would-be robber

SHELBY, N.C. — Police said a masked man attempted to rob the Padgett's BP in Shelby Monday.

 The owner of the store, Gary Padgett, told Channel 9 the robber ran into the store with pepper spray.

Deputies said Padgett pulled out a gun and the suspect ran out.

A good Samaritan who happened to be pulling into the store parking lot as the suspect fled immediately gave chase in his vehicle.

The good Samaritan pursued the suspect down Double Shoals Road and was able to detain the suspect until Cleveland County Sheriff's Deputies arrived.

Nicholas Richard Hartman, 26, was charged with robbery.

He was sent to Cleveland County Detention Center under a $20,000 bond.

WSOC