Amid Recent Crime Surge, Good Samaritan Stops Armed Robbery at Alabama Family Dollar
Editor’s Note: We’re republishing this story in light of a recent rise in violent crime and robberies reported across the U.S. during the pandemic.
An attempted robbery at a Family Dollar store in Alabama took an unexpected turn when an armed citizen with a concealed carry permit intervened and stopped the suspect.
Adric White, 18, entered the store and pulled a gun on employees, demanding cash. Witnesses say he acted in control, threatening staff while making demands. But things quickly changed when a bystander—legally carrying a concealed firearm—stepped in.
The Good Samaritan aimed his weapon at White and ordered him not to move. White, however, turned toward the man with his weapon still in hand. Believing he and the store employees were in immediate danger, the armed citizen opened fire, shooting White five times. The employees were then able to disarm and restrain the suspect until police arrived.
White survived the shooting and was taken to a hospital in stable condition. He now faces charges of armed robbery.
His family expressed outrage over the incident, questioning why the man who shot White hadn’t been arrested. They argued that the bystander should have walked away rather than get involved.
Law enforcement disagreed, citing self-defense and the defense of others as justification for the shooting. Witnesses confirmed that White had been pointing a gun at store workers and making threats. Under Alabama law, the bystander’s use of force was deemed lawful.
While the extent of White’s injuries hasn’t been publicly disclosed, doctors say he’s expected to recover. Still, police emphasized that bringing a gun into a robbery situation is inherently dangerous—and White is fortunate to have survived.
The Good Samaritan, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that this was the first time he had to use his firearm and that he regrets it came to that. However, he felt he had no choice in the moment to protect innocent lives.
