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Man shot by clerk after attempted armed robbery in Worcester

WORCESTER, Mass. — A man was shot in Worcester by a clerk after attempting an armed robbery.

Worcester Police responded to the call on Vernon Street for a man lying on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds.

The victim, 26-year-old Juan Ahorrio, was treated for three gunshot wounds that weren't deemed to be life-threatening by Worcester EMS before officers arrived.

Police were told the man was shot after attempting to rob the No Name grocery store, and officers observed a large knife on the store counter.

Officers learned Ahorrio entered the store carrying the knife, and went up behind one of two women shopping in the store before putting his arm holding the knife around her neck.

The clerk then grabbed his own gun, and the customer fell to the ground. The clerk then fired three rounds at Ahorrio with the customer out of the way.

Ahorrio dropped his knife after being hit, and then ran out of the store before the clerk ordered him to the ground.

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The clerk and the two customers were not hurt, and detectives confiscated the weapon and the clerk's license to carry as the investigation moves forward.

Ahorrio was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (knife), assault with a dangerous weapon (knife), and armed assault with the intent to rob.