Clerk fights off would-be robber with sword

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WHDH) -- A clerk in New Bedford turned the tables during a convenience store robbery.

When the would-be robber pulled out his knife, clerk Brian Patel pulled out a sword.

Patel says the robber's knife was about eight inches long.

Patel didn't hesitate to reach under the counter and respond with his sword, about three feet long, that sent the robber running empty handed.

Even a customer got into the act, taking a kick at the crook as he ran out the door.

A little over a year ago Patel confronted another knife-wielding would-be robber.

Patel couldn't get to the sword, but he punched the guy in the face and sent him packing.

Patel was stabbed in that encounter but the don't-back-down clerk says it's in his nature to resist giving the money and to fight back.

“It’s not good to give it up ‘cause they’ll do it over and over again,” Patel said.