Kendrick Watson, a 41-year-old employee at a Circle K gas station in Stow, Ohio, was fired after he defended himself and a co-worker during an attempted robbery on November 2. Around 3:30 a.m., a group of masked men rammed a stolen minivan into the store, shattering the glass entrance and dislodging an ATM. In response, Watson grabbed his firearm and fired seven shots at the robbers, who fled the scene. "I was more shocked than terrified," Watson stated, emphasizing his instinct to protect both himself and his co-worker during the chaotic incident.

The attempted robbery involved two stolen minivans, with four masked individuals emerging from one after crashing into the store. Watson's gunfire struck one of the getaway vehicles, a gas pump, and a support post, but police have not confirmed if any of the robbers were injured. Following the incident, Watson was informed by his manager that he was terminated due to the company's strict no-weapons policy, which he anticipated but still found disappointing given the extreme circumstances. "Who knows what they could’ve done?" he reflected on the situation.S2

One of the suspects, Peirion D. Jackson, 25, from Cleveland, was arrested after fleeing on foot and faces multiple charges, including robbery and vandalism, with a bond set at $100,000. The other suspects escaped in a second stolen minivan, which was last seen heading towards State Route 8. Following the incident, Watson launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his living expenses while he seeks new employment, describing the experience as traumatic. Ohio's Stand Your Ground law permits individuals to use force in self-defense against unlawful entry, which adds a layer of complexity to Watson's situation.S2