Tip Jar Thief Shot

[left-of-center2012]

Marcus Torres, 36, tried to steal a tip jar from Las Barranquitas Bakery at 262 Franklin Ave. on July 26.
The tip jar, however, was secured to the counter, and Torres could not take it. He ran from the store with two bakery employees in pursuit.

One of the employees caught Torres and as they struggled on the ground, the other employee thought Torres was reaching for a gun in his waistband.
That's when he fired a round from his own pistol and struck Torres in the thigh.

Torres pleaded guilty Thursday to reduced charges, received a suspended prison sentence and probation, and was ordered into a drug rehabilitation program.

http://www.courant.com/breaking-news/hc-hartford-bakery-shooting-plea-0904-20150903-story.html

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. Civilians have learned well from the police.

the other employee thought Torres was reaching for a gun in his waistband.

From the rest of the article.

No weapon was found in Torres' possession.

[NutmegYankee]

3. I understand the police not charging the employees

But employees shouldn't be chasing suspects outside of the store. If the suspect had been armed, they could have been injured or killed.