May 24, 2000 – 03:57 PM

Police: Shopper Draws, Stops a Thief
The Associated Press

SPRING HILL, Fla. (AP) – While in the check-out line at a Wal-Mart, Sandra
Suter saw store employees scuffling with a robbery suspect who police say
pulled a small blade knife and lunged, cutting two employees.

“I have a concealed weapons permit,” Suter, 53, said as she whipped out a
.40-caliber pistol from her purse.

“Either drop the knife, or I’ll shoot you,” she said, holding the weapon to
the man’s face. She repeated her threat.

The man dropped the knife and surrendered to store security.

Authorities said Willie J. Redding, 50, of Brooksville, walked into the
store Monday with an empty VCR box saying he wanted to make an exchange,
then tried to leave with a new VCR.

He was arrested on charges of armed robbery and two counts of battery and
released Tuesday on $3,000 bond.

“I just did what I thought was right,” said Suter. She has been carrying a
gun in her purse since March. Her son had urged her to get it for protection
on out-of-state drives to visit relatives.

She and her family often gather at a Lakeland shooting range to practice and
says it has brought the family closer together.

The two store employees who received minor cuts did not need treatment.

Although relieved no one was hurt, spokesman for the Hernando County
Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart advise civilians not to get involved in such
situations.