Gun-Toting Pharmacist Sues After Being Fired
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A pharmacist who thwarted an attempted armed robbery inside a southwestern Michigan drug store by shooting his own gun is suing after being fired from his job.
Jeremy Hoven said he was working in the rear of a Walgreens store in Benton Harbor when he saw a manager being pushed by an armed robber. He tried to call 911, but the robber jumped over the counter and pointed a gun at him. When the robber's gun jammed and didn't fire, that's when Hoven said he reached for his gun in his pocket holster and fired.
Attorneys for 36-year-old Hoven on Wednesday released surveillance footage of the robbery attempt, which happened about 4:30 a.m. May 8. He sued last month in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, claiming wrongful termination.
Deerfield, Ill.-based drugstore chain Walgreen Co. denies many of Hoven's claims, including his assertion that he was fired over a company "non-escalation" policy. The company said Hoven's claims for compensation are not allowed under the law.
Hoven had a permit to carry a concealed weapon but apparently didn't notify his employer he was carrying a gun.
You can see footage of the incident at The Grand Rapids Press website.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
