Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012

GAFFNEY, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a convenience store clerk in Gaffney shot a man trying to rob the store at gunpoint.

Police say two men went into the store around 8:30 p.m. Monday. One of them pointed a rifle at the clerk and demanded money.

Investigators say the employee grabbed his gun and started shooting.

Police say 22-year-old Lee Tate Jr. went to a nearby church meeting and asked for help. He was treated and released at the hospital for two gunshot wounds, then was charged with armed robbery.

Cherokee County deputies say Tate has been at the county jail 13 times since 2007 and just left three hours before the shooting. It wasn't clear if he had a lawyer. The second suspect hasn't been found.

Police say the clerk won't be charged.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)