A 49-year-old Texaco Food Mart cashier was shot to death during a robbery. Ozkan Karasu of Chesapeake, VA, was shot during the robbery about 9 a. m. and discovered by a customer.

While investigating the murder, police met with two local residents, maintenance workers from a local trailer park, who said that they had warned Karasu about some of the young men who hung around the store. Earlier in the year, store workers had chased some young men out of the store for unknown reasons.

Police apprehended three young male suspects within hours. After a search of one of the youths’ homes, police found a gun they believed to be the murder weapon. Joel Volker, 18, and two younger men were charged with murder, firearms charges, and other offenses. Police say that the crime bore all the marks of a robbery gone wrong.

If an armed robber confronts you, cooperate. When robbers get what they want it is likely they’ll leave without hurting anyone. Resistance, unless you have reason to believe the thief intends to harm you, may do more harm than good.

Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him or her to police. Do exactly as you’re told. If you have to move or reach for anything, explain exactly what you’re doing and why. Trip alarms only if you can do so without being spotted.

Source: The Virginian-Pilot, Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 9, 2006