Customer at Internet cafe shoots 2 robbers (Video) [View all]

Sheriff's officials said they got a call at 9:54 p.m. about an armed robbery at Palms Internet Cafe, 8444 SW State Road 200. When deputies arrived at the scene, patrons outside the business told them that two men in masks — one armed with a baseball bat and the other with a handgun — had barged into the business. The robbers told the approximately 30 patrons to get on the floor, and they demanded money.

Officials said one of the patrons, Samuel Williams, drew his own handgun and shot at the robbers, according to sheriff's officials.

Both robbers began running toward the front door, and the patron fired several more shots as they fled.

Ruth and Neville Allison, also patrons of the Internet cafe, said they saw the incident unfold.

They said the robbers — one with a gun and the other with what looked like a bat wrapped in white tape — entered from the parking lot.

The robber with the bat smashed one of the computers, the couple said. Then the robbers ordered everybody to get down on the ground and take out their wallets and whatever valuables they had.

Williams — who declined to be interviewed — was sitting in the row nearest the door. He immediately took out his handgun, took aim and started firing, witnesses said.

The Internet cafe patron who shot and injured two men as they tried to rob the business will likely not face any criminal charges.


Shooting at Palms Internet Cafe
“Based on what I have seen and what I know at this time, I don’t anticipate filing any charges,” said Bill Gladson of the State Attorney’s Office