Surveillance video shows clerk snatching gun from would-be robber

PASCAGOULA, MS (WLOX) - An early Monday morning robbery in Pascagoula was foiled when a gas station clerk turned the tables on the suspect by snatching her gun. Lt. Doug Adams, with the Pascagoula Police Department, said the attempted robbery happened around 3 a.m. at the Exxon gas station at Market St. and Hwy. 90.

A woman, covering her face, got out of a car and walked into the store. Surveillance video obtained by WLOX News Now shows as she approached the cashier, she drew a .22 caliber rifle and aimed directly at the man sitting behind the register.

But in a split second, the attempted robbery changed course as the cashier grabbed the rifle and the two began to tussle. The cashier overpowered the woman and was able to get the gun from her, flipping it so the barrel was pointing right at her face.

The woman then rushed out of the store, hopped back in the car, and drove off.

While the cashier picked up the phone and called 911, the woman headed east on Highway 90. Based off the description the cashier gave, Pascagoula police were able to spot her in front of McDonald's and take her into custody.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Kayla Hooker, from Mobile, AL. She's charged with armed robbery and is being held in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center on a $25,000 bond.

As for the cashier, coworkers say he's a little shaken up, but is doing fine.

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