Store clerk fights back during robbery in Abington

ABINGTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Police are investigating a robbery caught on surveillance camera at a 7-Eleven in Abington. A man armed with a gun confronted a clerk who fought back with a baseball bat.

The clerk chased the suspect outside. That's when another man hit the clerk with a two-by-four.

Surveillance cameras show the 7-Eleven clerk becoming immediately suspicious of his situation.

“You see him very slightly move a baseball bat,” said Chief David Majenski, Abington Police Department.

He places the bat right behind the cash register. Abingtion police say John Harrington who is seen making a small purchase was the scout and driver for the attempted robbery.

But the two men didn't get away with anything because once police say Bruce Provan came in with a gun, the clerk was ready for him.

Police say surveillance cameras show Provan raising his gun as the clerk walks to the register.

Instead of pulling out cash, the clerk comes out swinging with a baseball bat and then chases him outside where police say Harrington was waiting.

“He got out at some point and allegedly takes -- out of the back of a pickup truck -- takes a two-by-four, strikes the clerk,” said Chief Majenski.

Once the men drove off, the clerk called police.

“I wouldn't' encourage people to do that but I can’t say I’m unhappy with the results,” said Chief Majenski.

Mark DePaolo, who lives just 50 yards from the store and says he pops in at least twice a day, wasn't entirely surprised when he heard the news.

“Um, a little nervous but it’s happened before in the past,” said Mark DePaolo, a nearby resident. “We lock our doors and windows all the time just ‘cause it’s the world we live in now.”

Both men were arrested later at their homes. Provan, who police say was hit with the baseball bat, did go to the hospital but was later released.

7-Eleven officials say they don't encourage that behavior. They tell employees to be accommodating but also to never keep more than $30 in the drawer because they can replace lost merchandise and money.