WESTERN PHILADELPHIA – Surveillance video obtained by FOX 29 shows a Southwest Philly store clerk in the fight of his life that comes to a head when he confronts an armed robber.

Disclaimer: This is an important example of what? Negative do in this case. Fortunately, the store clerk was not injured and was able to share his story with FOX 29’s Steve Keeley.

Ariel Santana, 38, happened to be wearing a Phillies knit hat after fighting off an armed robber who repeatedly came into the store, and he was also wearing a Phillies hat.

The suspect robbed three stores in West Philly over three consecutive days. However, when he came to Ariel’s Vine Deli and Grocery on his third try, he didn’t get any money.

Ariel, seen under store surveillance, pushed the gun away, then pushed the robber out the door, knocking off his Phillies hat and the robber’s glasses before the man ran away empty-handed and empty-headed.

“What made you want to fight back instead of just handing over the money?” Keeley asked.
“I didn’t give him the money,” Santana replied.
“Didn’t you ever want to give him money?” Steve continued.
“No,” he said.
“Weren’t you worried for your life? About him shooting you?” Keeley asked next.
Ariel replied, “No. If it’s time, it’s time.”

Philly police have released surveillance footage of the robber who robbed three stores on October 7, 8, and 9, using an extended magazine attached to a gun.

They describe him as older and with a gray beard. His first two robberies saw him get away with cash.

Ariel pulled off the robbery the third time, and police said they do not believe the man has attempted another robbery since then.

The police also strongly recommend not to do what Ariel did, but thanks to Ariel, they obtained photos of the robber without a hat, hoodie and glasses in the hope that someone will recognize him and want to help the police fight crime, just like Ariel.