Robbery: A Decent Example ...

... of what a properly-sourced story with a good lede looked like, via one of youze.

It lacks a true nut graf -- which would have more conclusively detailed end result, including Layoux's eventual firing -- but the grafs right after the lede sufficiently answer questions created by the lede, such as who was the clerk and who was the robber and where it happened.

And the story also lacks offering a specific address and time the robbery took place.

Still, it is a very strong lede that goes to a minimal end result and ultimate outcome -- what happened at the robbery -- and very good story flow, use of quotes and proper source attribution.

It's a decent example to look at and consider against your own work. Here we go:

An attempted robbery of a convenience store on East Forest Boulevard ended with bloodshed last night after the clerk shot the attempted robber, according to the clerk and Meridian Township Police.

Michael Ernest Layoux, a 22-year-old Lansing Community College student, was working the night shift at O-Mart as a clerk when a man pulled a gun on him, Layoux said.

Layoux said the robber – identified by police as Robert A. Wiess of 2032 Turf Way – asked for a
pack of cigarettes and then showed Layoux his gun.

Wiess kept his gun near his hip so no one outside the store could see what he was holding, Layoux said. 

The robber received only the money that was in the register, which was around $20, Layoux said. 

Violating a company policy, Layoux said he kept a gun on him at work, waited for an opportune moment and then shot the robber with his .25 caliber pistol.

“I shot him three times in the chest and side, but I didn’t know right away that I hit him,” Layoux said. “He just ran through the front door. He didn’t even open it. He ran right through the glass.”

Police said Wiess’ body was found in a field near the O-Mart. 

Ingham County District Attorney Ramone Hernandez said that he believes Layoux acted in self-defense and Layoux won’t be facing any charges.

Layoux did face a penalty for his actions, however.

Layoux said he received a phone call from his district manager this morning, who fired Layoux because it’s against company policy to carry a gun in the store.

Layoux said that convenience stores in Haslett that are opened 24 hours are dangerous, which is why he decided to bring a gun to work. 

“We’re open 24 hours, and the store has a history of holdups, particularly at night when there aren’t any customers in the store,” Layoux said.

Layoux said that he had been attending classes during the day and working at night to pay for school at LCC.

O-Mart officials declined to comment on the incident.