Call it a hatchet job. An attempted one, at least.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a man seen on surveillance video trying to rob an Oak Grove-area Plaid Pantry convenience store while toting a hatchet.
But the hatchet apparently was no match for the store’s clerk, who whipped out a concealed handgun -- police said he had a valid concealed handgun permit -- to stymie the early-morning heist, deputies said.
Surveillance footage from the April 28 hold-up shows the man relinquish the hatchet. He reportedly told the clerk, "I'm sorry. I'll leave," according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The man put his hands in the air, got down on his knees and eventually bolted from the store, leaving the hatchet behind. He was last seen running east on Southeast Roethe Road, deputies said.
A police dog searched for him, but he was nowhere to be found.
Deputies described the man as about 5-foot-5 and said he’s estimated to be in his early 20s. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket with a hood, a dark green or olive ski mask, khaki pants and dark sneakers with white soles.
Deputies urged anyone with information to go online or contact the Sheriff’s Office at 503-723-4949. Tipsters should reference case No. 19-009740.
-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
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