Store owners from Sam’s Meat Market in Ferguson, Missouri started using their own weapons to guard their merchandise from looters since the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a police officer.
Reporters from a local Fox affiliate questioned armed convenience store owners who walked in on two looters early Saturday morning. They claim they contacted police to ask for protection from the looters, but were given the run-around.
One man told reporters that he called 911 and was directed to call Ferguson police, but was then told that it was out of Ferguson’s jurisdiction and instructed to contact another department.
“I’m watching the TV, I’m watching people come out with cases of stuff, he’s trying to tell me they’ve got cops in front of the store and that they’ve got it under control,” one store owner told a reporter.
“I told him ’No sir, I’m watching the news right now you guys are all the way down the street while they’re running out of the store with the boxes.’ There’s no police. There’s no police.”
Protesting began in Ferguson on Monday after Mr. Brown was shot and killed by police officer, Darren Wilson. Mr. Brown was reportedly unarmed.
SEE ALSO: Ferguson store looted early Saturday; Brown was accused of robbing same location
Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to subdue protesters despite claims that they have peacefully gathered.
“We understand that Michael Brown’s family has nothing to do with this,” the convenience store owner told the reporter. “Our prayers go out to the family, we know the family, we know the kid, they’re great. But the cops have to do something about these looters.”
Reporters remained at the store overnight and did not see any police until early the next morning when highway patrol cars drove by.
Community members came to help clean up the store that had been destroyed by the looters. The local Fox affiliate said that the store had already been robbed earlier in the week.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.