Pennsylvania Restaurant Owner Arrested After He Allegedly Shot 15-Year-Old Multiple Times Who Tried to Steal Tip Jar: Police
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Nov. 20 2023, Published 3:04 p.m. ET
A restaurant owner in Pennsylvania has been arrested after he allegedly shot a 15-year-old boy who tried stealing the tip jar from the counter at his restaurant, according to authorities.
Around 10 p.m. on Nov. 17, police received a report regarding shots fired inside Hook Fish and Chicken in Stowe Township, according to the Allegheny County Police Department.
Shortly after, another 911 call came in from the teen’s mother who said her son had been shot several times, according to a police report obtained by WTAE.
Police said the 15-year-old went inside the Hook Fish and Chicken restaurant while his brother waited outside.
The teen reportedly approached the counter and the owner, 39-year-old Mohammed Hamdan, took his order, according to surveillance footage.
The boy is then seen reaching over the counter and grabbing a plastic jar that is used for tips, authorities said.
The teen then turned towards the door as Hamdan reportedly pulled out a handgun from his waistband and allegedly fired at least three shots at the teen, according to the footage.
Cameras in the area caught the victim running down the sidewalk after being shot, police reports say.
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When talking with police, Hamdan said the victim and his brother came into the restaurant earlier in the day and he “expected them to try to steal from him,” according to the police report.
Police said they reviewed surveillance footage and spoke with witnesses and determined there was no evidence to suggest the teen was armed or threatened Hamdan at any time.
According to WTAE, the teen suffered two gunshot wounds to his right forearm and one in the right shoulder blade, which caused a bone fracture. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
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Hamdan was arrested and booked into the Allegheny County Jail, officials said. He was charged with aggravated assault.
Police have not said if the teenager will face any charges in this incident.
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