A Florida man is facing several charges after a sparking a gas station melee that ultimately ended with him being shot — by his own gun.
Surveillance footage obtained by WPLG Local 10 shows 34-year-old Jesus Rodriguez hurling racial slurs at a store clerk who initially refused to let him use the restroom. Rodriguez stopped by the Florida City convenience store for a drink last month but the clerk refused to sell him any booze on the grounds that Rodriguez was already visibly intoxicated.
Jesus Rodriguez, 34, had been charged with attempted murder, trespassing and other charges after sparking a gas station brawl that ended with both him and the store clerk being shot. (WPLG / video screenshot)
That’s when police said Rodriguez became disruptive and called the clerk a “n—-r.”
In the video, the clerk is heard launching into his own bigoted rant against the drunken customer and repeatedly ordering Rodriguez to get out of his store. At one point, the clerk calls Rodriguez the n-word back and demands that he stop talking “that Spanish bullsh-t.”
“Yes, you’re a f—–g n—-a. N—-s aren’t just black,” the clerk is heard saying, with Rodriguez still refusing to leave. “Get the f–k out of here.”
The clerk then stepped from behind the counter to confront Rodriguez, 34, telling him to leave yet again. That’s when police said the man pulled out a revolver and pointed it at the clerk. A violent scuffle ensued as the two men wrestled over the weapon, causing the gun to discharge at least twice.
The clerk was shot in the head and back, while Rodriguez was struck by him own gun in the arm. Authorities said the clerk managed to secure the weapon until officers arrived.
Both men were taken to a local area hospital and treated for their injuries.
Rodriguez was later arrested on charges of attempted murder, trespassing, displaying a firearm while committing a felony and carrying a concealed firearm. Officers said Rodriguez did not have a concealed carry permit.
Speaking to ABC News 10, the owner of the convenience store said he’s less than happy about the brawl that unfolded inside his business. He confirmed that the clerk has since “left” his job and won’t press charges against Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was arraigned during a court hearing last week, however online records show his case is now closed. It’s unclear if the charges against him have been dropped.
Watch more in the video below.
