Steve Mensing, Editor
♦ It was alleged Thursday afternoon by law enforcement sources that the deceased China Buffet armed robber Sakhar Williye Robinson, 20, of Salisbury, N.C. attempted to rob the China Buffet with an empty shotgun. The sheriff’s deputy John L. Kempf, Jr., according to reports, could only do what a few precious seconds demanded, respond with 3 Glock rounds to the bandit’s upper torso.
In those brief moments before the shooting Robinson was menacing the patrons and staff with his shotgun and was not responding to the sheriff’s deputy Kempf’s badge display or his command.
No one can know if any gun is loaded or unloaded in those instants before decision and fatality.
The first rule of civilization is never rob. A close second is never attempt an armed robbery with an unloaded weapon. Sheriff’s deputy Kempf made the correct choice and the only one available under the circumstances. Kempf should be lauded for doing the right thing.
Sakhar Robinson was a 2013 graduate of North Rowan High. He had a previous record for misdemeanor larceny at 17. Here is a recent photograph:
http://northcarolina.arrests.org/Arrests/Sakhar_Robinson_7442736/
An updated article about the China Buffet robbery:
