Suspect, hero at heist named
By John Joyce
Published in News on July 6, 2012 1:46 PM
Authorities have identified the assailant who attempted to rob, at gunpoint, the Kangaroo Express located inside the BP gas station at 901 W. Grantham St. Tuesday morning, as well as the man who courageously stepped in to stop him.
Christopher Jamele Vann, 27, of Faison, was already wanted by the state Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for drugs and weapons violations, when he entered the convenience store carrying a gun.
But the man identified as Vann did not take into account the nerve of Maurice Thomas Lewis, 26, of Goldsboro.
While the store clerk found herself face-to-muzzle with Vann's weapon and, in the grip of fear had to decide what to do, Lewis was making his move.
Lewis fired at Vann, striking the would-be robber in the head.
Vann was taken by ambulance to Wayne Memorial Hospital and later flown to Vidant Medial Center in Greenville where he remains in critical condition.
If and when Vann is released, he will face charges of robbery and kidnapping.
Lewis, according to the Goldsboro Police Department, has cooperated fully with the Wayne County District Attorney's Office. Lewis acted within the law and will not face criminal charges, police said.