Lawrence store owner fights off robbers

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WHDH) -- A Lawrence store clerk, refused to back down, and gave two robbers a run for their money.

"My father pretty much grabbed the gun and tried to control it. My father wouldn't let go," said Nabin Shaikh, the store owner's son.

Surveillance video from earlier this week, showed the two men entering the store just before it was about to close. One man, wearing sunglasses and holding a gun, ran in and hopped over the counter.

53-year old Nazir Shaikh goes right for the gun.

He later found out it was a BB gun but said he thought it was real.

When asked why he grabbed the gun Shaikh said only, “I lost my control.”

Shaikh was tackled to the ground. The other man, who didn’t bother to cover his face, seemed like a customer but was actually in on the crime.

He ran behind the counter as his accomplice wrestled with the store owner.

The duo made off with a few hundred dollars, but not before Shaikh got in a few whacks with a curtain rod he keeps behind the counter.

"I thought he was brave,” said Shaikh’s son Nabin Shaikh, “He didn't hesitate one bit to try and take control of the situation as much as he could so I’m proud of him. At the same time, do you really want to take that chance next time if something like that happens again, you know.”

Shaikh wasn't hurt - not even a scratch.

He said the two robbers have been in the store before - that's why he buzzed them in.

“I know him,” said Shaikh, “if he comes in, I’d know him.”

Shaikh and his son are hoping someone else will recognize these two men and call police.

"People like that don't belong on the street. The guy made it very personal when he jumped over the counter. People like that are the ones you've got to be scared of,” said Nabin Shaikh.