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AutoZone Employee (and Veteran) Fired After Using His Gun to Ward Off Armed Robber

Dec. 4, 2012 2:55pm Becket Adams

When former AutoZone employee Devin McClean grabbed his gun from his car and chased an armed robber out of his store, he didn’t think his quick thinking would get him fired.

But it did:

“I was in fear of my life as soon as he walked through the door and I see the gun. Your heart just starts pounding,” McClean told NewsChannel 3.

As it turns out, McClean’s Yorktown, Va., store was being robbed by the so-called “fake-beard bandit” (probably the worst nickname in the history of crime), a criminal who had already knocked over about 30 businesses in the Virginia Peninsula area.

As the gunman forced the manager to unlock the store’s safe, McClean, a 23-year-old Air Force veteran, slipped out the back to retrieve his Glock 40 from his truck.

Devin McClean Fired from AutoZone for Using a Gun to Chase Away Armed Robber

Power, baby.

“I waited for him to go up toward the front, I ran out of the restroom, ran out to my truck where I keep my own personal weapon, grabbed my weapon, came back into the store and confronted the guy,” McClean recalls.

“When I yelled ‘freeze’ and I said ‘Stop! Drop the weapon,’ he threw his hands up with his gun still in his hand he started running,” the former AutoZone employee adds. “I felt like it was my responsibility to step in.”

The gunman wisely chose to flee.

“I watched him run down the street,” McClean told Fox News. “I came back inside and made sure my manager was okay and he called the police.”

But although the store’s manager was grateful for his employee’s bravery, McClean was fired two days later — right before Thanksgiving.

“It’s pretty much getting slapped in the face doing something that you feel was right everybody else around you feels you were right,” says McClean.

Other than to reiterate the company’s zero tolerance policy on weapons inside stores, AutoZone representatives refuse to comment on McClean’s firing.

And being laid off couldn’t have come at a worse time for McClean: He’s about to be a father.

“We’re having a little boy,” he said. “I remember when the guy came in with that gun. My initial thought was I want to make it home to my family. I want to have the opportunity to meet my son and for my son to meet his dad. And for someone to come in and shove a gun in your face?”

The former AutoZone employee explains that his decision to go back into the store and rescue his co-workers was informed by lessons he learned in the U.S. Air Force.

“Never leave a man behind,” he said. “I’m not going to leave my brother in a room with a guy with a gun — that’s threatening his life.”

“If I can save somebody’s life, I put that way above a store policy,” he adds.

And you better believe there’s been some backlash against the company for its decision to terminate McClean.

Fox News provides the details:

Cam Edwards, of NRA News, called AutoZone’s decision an “injustice.”

“It may have been corporate policy to fire Devin McLean, but it’s also an injustice. He came to the aid of a fellow employee threatened by an armed robber and was canned. They should have named him employee of the year.”

He said the nation needs more people like McLean.

“He had the chance to run away but instead he chose to arm himself with his legally owned gun and save the life of his supervisor,” Edwards told Fox News. “Wouldn’t we all like to work with someone like Devin?”

Customers have launched a boycott against the company on Facebook and a petition has been started urging them to rehire McLean.

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

Featured image courtesy NewsChannel 3.

This story has been updated.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (339)

TSUNAMI_22
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:22pm
The guy did the right thing.

AutoZone will probably settle out of court after this citizen brings a lawsuit for wrongful termination.

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- frust@ted
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:26pm
  This isn’t wrongfull termination, autozone had a 0 tollerance policy with regards to guns, he violated that policy it’s a pretty clear he was fired for just cause.
  
  Report this comment
- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:29pm
  Agreed.
  
  Report this comment
- frust@ted
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:32pm
  See repubsheep when can agree on some things.
  
  Report this comment
- truthnstuff
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:37pm
  I doubt that AutoZone policy was that someone could not have a weapon in their car. After that it is a citizen coming to the aid of a crime.
  
  Report this comment
- SquareHead
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:37pm
  This young man is a hero, and i pray that he gets a better job somewhere else.
  Forget the wrongful lawsuit. I for one will not go to Autozone anymore………..
  
  Report this comment
- rangerskippy
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:38pm
  http://www.autozone.com/autozone/contactus/contactUs.jsp?breadcrumb=contactus
  
  I used the above link to tell Autozone that I will no longer be shopping at their store because of this incident
  
  Report this comment
- TSUNAMI_22
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:38pm
  frust@ted
  
  This isn’t wrongfull termination, autozone had a 0 tollerance policy with regards to guns, he violated that policy it’s a pretty clear he was fired for just cause.
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  I stand corrected. I guess the crook who brought the gun into the store didn’t know that AutoZone was a zero-tolerance for firearms establishment. It’s a good thing the black crook didn’t get arrested for bringing that weapon into that establishment. That might be contrued as ‘racist’.
  
  See how “new-logic” works? The Law-abiding gun owner did the right thing and got punished, whilst the bad guy with the gun got away. Maybe Bob Costas will also chime in sometime tonight and praise the robber for not shooting anyone because he was exhibiting self-control.
  
  Report this comment
- Pork_Anvil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:41pm
  Dude is clearly unstable. Take his gun away and fire him!
- stickyicky97
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:42pm
  Those who argue the zero tolerance policy angle, I hope one day that each of you are working for a similar employee are are robbed, beaten, or even shot by an intruder while another employee just stands in the parking lot with his own gun protecting himself. The level of your reasoning is astonishing.
  
  Report this comment
- RANGER1965
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:48pm
  @Frustrated
  
  You’re likely right as far as the legalities go. Furthur this Man (capitol M) needs a better job anyway. A lawsuit in this case is nothing more than sour grapes, and exacerbating a situation which he needs to put behind him. This man is a hero, and deserves better than the pansy a** PC crap being dealt to him.
  
  Report this comment
- cucycln
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:57pm
  Frosted: no matter what their policy is, I as well as others will not shop at Auto Zone until they settle with him…..
  
  Report this comment
- Pork_Anvil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:05pm
  @cucycln, LOL at all these conservative “boycotts.” If you people actually boycotted everything you claim that you do, you wouldn’t shop or eat anywhere except Chik Fil A and Mercury.
  
  Full o’ beans!
  
  Report this comment
- 000degrees
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:06pm
  0 tolerance policy means check your brain at the door, thinking is not required. For all of you who agree with these policies, I have a service company that, for a fee, will come tie your shoes for you in the morning just to be sure it is done properly and safely. This way you will not need to worry unnecessarily…
  
  Report this comment
- frust@ted
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:23pm
  Ok gang, again. In this post i am only speaking to a lawsuit. I am sure that the AutoZone had a policy on firearms on their premises, if they did have a policy and he had a firearm they are well within their right to terminate. There is a difference between the legal vs. ethical.
  
  tsunami, I’m talking about the employee policy’s customers don’t have to adhere to those.
  
  Look if you are going to boycott AutoZone, you should boycott them for having a policy that does not allow employees to carry weapon on premises
  
  This Man did the right thing, but sometimes doing the right thing has consequnces. I hope the best for this brave man.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:23pm
  @Pork
  
  Actually, CHL bearing gun owners (not necessarily Blaze posters) are quite active in boycotting and bringing economic force down on shops like this. In Ohio we’ve caused countless companies to change their policies, even United Dairy Farmers (UDF) reversed it’s anti-gun stance when it began to feel the pinch in the wallet. You see, we have a “Do not patronize” database that most every CHL holder is guided to, usually by their CHL instructor, here in Ohio. So yes, this kind of boycott does work. It’s too bad you have nothing better to do in life than sneer and snicker at others, or you’d be familiar with how real life works for things like this.
  
  Report this comment
- searcher619
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:34pm
  He can’t sue. He was aware of their policy and he violated it. So although their decision is morally wrong they are legally in the right.
  
  Report this comment
- Mapache
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:38pm
  I am sure Autozone’s concern is a wrongful death lawsuit that could cost the company millions. The theft of property and cash is covered by insurance. While I applaud the courage and the efforts of the employee, the Autozone policy probably makes good business sense. I think a smarter route would have been for the store to reprimand the employee, have him go for some remedial training and then give him a nice Christmas bonus.
  
  Report this comment
- Kysminrov
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:38pm
  @Pork: Funny you should bring up the example of Chic-fil-A while describing how conservatives banding together are not effective. I recall the conservative endorsement of that company as just the opposite.
  
  I recommend heading on over to Huffpo or MediaMatters where all the other dipsh*ts are.
  
  Report this comment
- Pork_Anvil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:41pm
  @Kysminrov, read better. The Chic Fil A comment was not about how it was a failure. I was saying that if you all were true to your supposed boycotts, that’s the only place you’d be shopping. That, and the Glenn Beck gift shop. Catch my drift.
  
  Report this comment
- Patrick Henry II
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:00pm
  O’reilly sells parts just down the street.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:34pm
  @MApache,
  You know what else is bad for business? Having all of the employees pushed into the back storage areas and finding them the next morning with bullets in their heads and pools of blood on the floor. That is bad for business as well.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:45pm
  He can’t win in court.. they had a 0 tolerance policy. I don’t think he should have been fired but the company is at no fault here.
  
  Report this comment
- chicago76
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:52pm
  There sure are a lot of Obamazombies on this website now. We will need lots of spray.
  
  Report this comment
- Blue Anchor Gun Nut
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:54pm
  I have a zero tolerance policy for shopping at stores that discriminate against veterans and choose dogma over the safety over it’s customers and employees. I am now a Pep Boy customer
  
  Report this comment
- IWISHIWASINTEXAS
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:54pm
  HOLY CRAP KEATON! We agree on something haha! Too bad he was fired, a bad choice on the part of Autozone, but they do have grounds legally.
  
  Report this comment
- taintso
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:00pm
  @ skippy thanks for the link, I to will boycott them here in arizona.
  
  Report this comment
- rickc34
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:03pm
  I guess the criminal did not read the zero tolerance on guns inside the store. This young man has a heros heart, he could have left but went inside because of his fellow employees. He has the right stuff.
  
  Report this comment
- turkey13
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:19pm
  Why are we just now hearing this story? I could have changed our corporate account over before now. Just got back from O”Reillys and even got a better deal on all invoices over $1,000. I just paid Auto Zones statement and two Ford deisel injectors were over $1,800. My new deal would have reduced that by over $100. I didn’t know Auto Zone was owened by a radical liberal who hates guns. If they were a donut shop the police couldn’t go there.
  
  Report this comment
- rickroland
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:19pm
  @ FRUST@TED — I guess they would have zero tolerance for an armed robber in their store then as well? Oh, and they would probably also have zero tolerance for one of their employees being murdered in the course of an armed robbery, I’m sure.
  
  The fact is, in this situation, AutoZone is wrong and should have never even considered firing the guy, let alone actually doing so. If I were the man, and they offered me my job back, I’d very publicly tell them to go pound sand down a rat hole. The man probably has job offers coming out of his ears now, and well he should.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc33
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:26pm
  haha Tex! we must enjoy it! it may not happen again..
  
  Report this comment
- Bluebonnet
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:36pm
  I’ll remember this and to Auto Zone I say P on you.
  
  Report this comment
- MDECKER
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:52pm
  Disregard the Autozone employee, hunt the jag that entered the store and terminate him! That is the only termination to ponder.
  
  Report this comment
- KIWL-DA-WABBIT
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:54pm
  I do not believe these 0 tolerance gun policies take into account that we no longer live in a (safe robbery era), A while back in most cases a robber just wanted the money, you comply he goes away with said money, not so any more, after they rob you they shoot you in the face just for the hell of it. Your chances of being killed now during a robbery are greatly increased.
  The best thing to combat crime is for the populace to be armed, more people like this hero. But the way things are going we will probably get the opposite as it seems every move made by government is the opposite of what is good for us. To be expected in a world led by the devil.
  
  Report this comment
- Too_Far_Gone
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:55pm
  @frust@ted
  
  Idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- Saving_the_Republic.com
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:55pm
  No grounds wrongful termination. AutoZone has a crappy anti-gun policy… I suggest a boycott of AutoZone. If people cannot muster up the guts to do this then you might as well quit complaining. Beck, Hannity etc that are against boycotts are flat out wrong because they are committed against hem all the time. Its time for the left and companies like this to get a taste of their own medicine.
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:40pm
  He should just invite the robber back to the store. Post it in the newspaper. Wanted:fake beard robber, please proceed with robbing the autozone, no one will stop you this time.
  I won’t buy anymore parts from autozone.
  
  Report this comment
- grimmster
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:40pm
  @Ghost.
  Really, a “dont not patronize” data base? Ive never heard of such, and ive had a chl for quite some time now,nor did my instructer mention one, post a link please?
  
  Report this comment
- frust@ted
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:41pm
  Reading some of the comments on here I completly understand the gridlock in congress.
  
  If all you have to add to a conversation is the word idiot, you bring nothing to the conversation and will bring about 0 change.
  
  If you have commented about the robber not followng the 0 tollerance gun policy, you aren’t listening and probably don’t want to, because you didn’t even take the time to read my initial comment or any follwo up, you just fired away.
  
  If you can’t understand the difference between saying something is legal vs. ethical, before you rant. I encourage you to stop take a breath enjoy life, you have become to consumed with politics and are not thinking rationaly.
  
  Report this comment
- starmin
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 9:28pm
  “It may have been corporate policy to fire Devin McLean, but it’s also an injustice. He came to the aid of a fellow employee threatened by an armed robber and was canned. They should have named him employee of the year.”
  
  The nation needs more people like McLean.
  
  “He had the chance to run away but instead he chose to arm himself with his legally owned gun and save the life of his supervisor,” “Wouldn’t we all like to work with someone like Devin?”
  
  They should re-hire McLean.
  
  Devin McLean needs to SUE AutoZone. AutoZone people are a bunch of crap for firing him!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- banjarmon
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 9:44pm
  Devin McClean YOU SIR did the Right Thing!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Bohump
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 9:53pm
  Gee, …. Would it have been better to let someone get killed by the robber, …and keep his job ? ? ?
  
  Report this comment
- Grey Eagle
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:18pm
  Autozone should have been grateful that no one was hurt or killed, which may have occured during the robbery. To fire this young man is the height of ignorance. He has a family to provide for. They have now lost my business.
  
  Report this comment
- Elena2010
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:54pm
  Frustie — Autozone has a zero tolerance for common sense policy.
  
  They will not be getting any more of my business. I can to to O’Reilly’s a block down fm Autozone.
  
  Report this comment
- coldnorth
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:58pm
  the bearded bandit violated the no firearms policy too, but I don’t think he cared too much.
  
  Report this comment
- BootsAreWalkin
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:26pm
  Frust@Ted: You better hope that waving your policy book wards off the armed robber that sticks his gun in your face at the Sac N Pac, because the armed law abiding citizen won’t be stepping in to help you.
  
  What you are practicing is called Logic over Reason. Logic says you die; Reason says you live. Learn the difference.
  
  Report this comment
- dawg22
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:36pm
  The height of stupidity. I was trying see if ur zero policy comments were draped in sarcasm. Apparently not. Karma is a biatch… One day you zero tolerance morons will be a victim of this typeof crime, and that fine young man you were counting on to save your life will out of the store and run home, instead of saving your life. You friends of squirrels, tree hugging jack wagons deserve what you get. Karma…
  
  Report this comment
- Vonzagner
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:37pm
  And yet another prime example of “No good deed goes unpunished” Man should get a raise..be damned with their 0 tolerance policie.
  
  Report this comment
- Maji
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 12:37am
  I don’t use auto zone ( Cars are a hobby) they suck.
  Most all of them have poor help.
  I walked in to one on a particular and this chick started on one butt cheek and went
  to the other! She pointed to one isle and to another… none of which was correct.
  BUT she never got off of her stool!!!
  I just left.
  
  Report this comment
- Favored93
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:15am
  There are a few things here we should all think about….
  First is the company’s right to say who can and can’t carry a weapon on their property. While I support their right to say what they want carried into their store and by whom I will NOT go into a business that prohibits my gun. We should not boycott over it though.
  Second and in my mind most important is that this guy is a hero…NOT a criminal! GUNS ALSO SAVE LIVES!!!
  And third… this young man did NOT suffer an injustice by being fired! This company can and should be allowed to fire you if they don’t like your hair color…imo.
  We all sometimes forget that a job is NOT a right! This guy did the right thing but sometimes doing the right thing can cost you something. That is what makes a hero a hero! He did the right thing and may have saved lives and property but crying about what you lost doing it diminishes the sacrifice of the heroic act.
  Was firing this guy a mistake? Yes in my opinion but I am not the owner of that company. He can find another job the one he had is not that good anyway and he and the rest of us can sleep better because he was there. We NEED more good people carrying guns.
  
  Report this comment
- Favored93
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:22am
  This story is why I don’t go into a store or bank that prohibits my gun…If a criminal sees as I do a sign that says “no guns” he knows he is the ONLY one with a gun and can then do as he pleases.
  However that is the right of the owner and I support that as much as I do my right to carry one.
  I also support Auto Zone’s right to fire him for breaking that rule….though I think it is a mistake to do so.
  
  Report this comment
- SUNTZU
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:26am
  Sorry Auto-Zone
  My kimber and I shall not be back
  
  Report this comment
- Balzy
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 1:59am
  Just cause my ass, tell that to the boss who could’ve gotten killed but didn’t. Those idiots could’ve lost MONEY, but they didn’t. This guys is a hero and i would’ve been a long time autozone customer had they been ethical in this situation. If that soldier hasn’t earned his right to atleast have a gun in his car for when he feels endangered then what kind of an america do we live in? i will never go to autozone now, EVER.
  
  Report this comment
- Balzy
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:04am
  not only that, the crook was on a robbing SPREE. because of our nanny state gun laws in stores. This is precisely why we need guns, crooks need only have one and they control the whole show. we have to rely soley on the government and local police for our property and our lives, what the hell rights are we even gonna have in the near future?
  
  Report this comment
- Balzy
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:17am
  @Favored93
  
  agreed, i support their right to ban guns in their stores. i also hope it doesn’t bite them in the ass, but they just sent a clear message to all other crooks. “we will let you intimidate and rob us and if one of our employees stops you, we’ll fire his ass” wow… fooled you idiots twice, shame on YOU autozone.
  
  Report this comment
- grayling646
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:33am
  Plus this guy doesn’t sound like the litigious type.
  
  Report this comment
- Favored93
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:42am
  @Balzy
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:17am
  @Favored93
  agreed, i support their right to ban guns in their stores. i also hope it doesn’t bite them in the ass, but they just sent a clear message to all other crooks. “we will let you intimidate and rob us and if one of our employees stops you, we’ll fire his ass” wow… fooled you idiots twice, shame on YOU autozone.
  ———
  Yup… my point exactly …
  A boycott is not necessary here. Their customers will get the idea that shopping there is unsafe and will stop on there own.
  This hero will be fine and will get a better job … if I hear of him suing over this I will never again refer to him as a hero but as part of our problem …. Doing the right thing may cost you but it is that sacrifice that people admire. He did the right thing and will forever be known as the guy who saved lives. That being said however if he sues it will diminish his “hero” status to just a guy looking to gain from being a good guy…I hope y’all get what I mean here….
  
  Report this comment
- Beck_Art-Obama_In_Pee_Pee
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:02am
  “… former AutoZone employee Devin McClean …”
  But present HERO! You’ve done a man’s job, SIR!
  
  frust@ted – “This isn’t wrongfull termination”
  
  You clearly have no sense of “right” or “wrong”.
  
  Exrepublisheep – “Agreed.”
  
  LOL. Not so much “Ex”, eh?
  
  SquareHead – “Forget the wrongful lawsuit. I for one will not go to Autozone anymore.”
  
  WE are the wrongful lawsuit against Autozone.
  
  rangerskippy – http://www.autozone.com/autozone/contactus/contactUs.jsp?breadcrumb=contactus
  “I used the above link to tell Autozone that I will no longer be shopping at their store because of this incident”
  
  THANKS! And EVERYONE … push back (it’s the least you can do)!
  
  Report this comment
- nzkiwi
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 4:08am
  Umm… if one checks the time stamp I think one might agree that Exrepublisheep was referring to the previous comment…
  
  Report this comment
- December5
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 6:04am
  Unbelievable. This guy should have been praised. I will never buy anything from AuoZone again. Read fresh political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
  Report this comment
- rabblechat
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:03am
  I cannot fault him for going against the policy; its better to be unemployed than dead.
  
  Report this comment
- ThemDemsLie2much
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 8:18am
  To all you liberal idiots with no common sense, if Autozone had to fire him for their policy then they should have re-hired him right away, with a promotion! I will no longer shop there. To bad he didn’t kill the SOB. Punish the Tax Payer and Glorify the Criminal? Typical Obott behavier……….
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:37am
  http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/04/fbi-says-man-charged-in-alaska-barista-death-sexually-assaulted-and-dismembered/
  
  It’s a good thing she didn’t have a gun she might have gotten fired.
  Trouble is she does not have a job or a life!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- RobbieTLHughie
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:04am
  I think that most companies have policies like this. He did do the right thing but he also violated policy by having a weapon at work. It’s a chance he took, I would commend him as a hero by sadly Autozone doesn’t like that attitude I guess.
  
  Report this comment
- RobbieTLHughie
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:08am
  god the freaks here are stupid though… I agreed with y’all then I read the rest of the comments. Autozone is owned by radical liberals? What the ****? Are you serious?
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:53am
  @Grimmster
  
  http://ohioccw.org/component/com_sobipro/Itemid,438/sid,54/
  
  Your instructor(s) did you a disservice I’m afraid. I’m acquainted with many CHL schools here in central Ohio and all of them reference this database in class. Individual “Bob over at his house” instructors may not though.
  
  Report this comment
- desertspeaks
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:14am
  so autozone has a zero tolerance policy of NO GUNS in their stores.. does this mean that the police must leave their guns in their vehicles when investigating a crime/murder scene?
  A zero tolerance NO GUN policy tells CRIMINALS its a free for all and zero chance of being shot! What autozone is saying to their employee’s is that AUTOZONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WELL BEING AND SAFETY! Ok, where is SECURITY!?!?! oops did autozone not figure in some type of security or are employee’s just supposed to stand there and be executed??
  No gun policy is just an opportunity for criminals!
  STOP SHOPPING AT AUTOZONE! AUTOZONE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTION!
  AUTOZONE IS A COMMUNIST ORGANIZATION!
  
  Report this comment
- muffythetuffy
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:35am
  HE SHOULD HAVE YELLED OUT
  
  Shoot the Rich White RACIST BASTARD, HE HATES BLACK PEOPLE. Whites have declared war on whites to show they are not racists.
  
  Report this comment
- G-WHIZ
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 11:37am
  He’s NOT a PROG-O-KRAT so the invader IS the victim!! ALL store-owners should pack and carry!!
  Y’a know how many car-jackings occurr in TEXAS……….N O N E ! ! When the PRGS see that great piece-O-steele hanging inda back of the car or truck………… . :>)
  
  Report this comment
- xCalix
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 12:17pm
  so i take it AutoZone’s policy is to let themselves be robbed by armed gunmen?
  thanks for letting everyone know- expect more of the same.
  
  Report this comment
- mel72349
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:01pm
  and with their “zero tolerance,”, I wonder how they are going to deal with the criminal, who didn’t seem too concerned about their policy.
  
  Report this comment
- kywrite
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 2:03pm
  frust@ted
  
  This isn’t wrongfull termination, autozone had a 0 tollerance policy with regards to guns, he violated that policy it’s a pretty clear he was fired for just cause.
  
  ———————————————————–
  
  Of course it wasn’t wrongful termination. But me shopping elsewhere because Autozone has a stupid policy is also not wrongful. You needn’t follow company rules off a cliff; in certain cases – like, say, saving lives – they can and should be bent.
  
  Report this comment
- enzomedici
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 5:15pm
  I won’t be shopping at Autozone anymore. Screw their zero tolerance policy. I have my own zero tolerance policy where I don’t do business with stupid companies.
  
  Report this comment
- RobbieTLHughie
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 6:51pm
  Ignorance is bliss, isn’t it? I hope you all enjoy boycotting every supermarket in the area, along with every gas station and restaurant. Because I bet money none of them allow their employees to have weapons on their person on premises. You know, I don’t like to insult people, but people on this site, the commenters are just flat out bone-dead stupid sometimes, holy crap.
  
  Report this comment
- Lt_Scrounge
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:12pm
  Many retailers have similar policies. They are more worried about the possible disgruntled employee than they are the armed robbers who decide that they don’t want to leave any living witnesses. The best way to solve these kind of policies is the lawsuit that they will be hit with when a bunch of customers are shot down by a gang of thieves.
  
  I’m glad that Ohio has adopted the same plan of action that the AZ civilian Defense League has been using for years against those businesses who discriminate against law abiding gun owners. Funny how owners and managers seem to change their attitudes when confronted with the idea of losing thousands of dollars worth of business on a weekly basis.
  
  Report this comment
- piper60
  Posted on December 6, 2012 at 6:22am
  Government doesn’t like citizens defending themselves against domestic enemies of the people.Itmight give ten ideas.
  
  Report this comment
- flaboater1
  Posted on December 6, 2012 at 9:26am
  Gun Advocate, NRA member, Conceal Carry, etc. here
  
  This guy was plain wrong…He could have likely escalated the situation. Compliance with giving the money is generally the best scenario, especially when it is not your own money.
  
  While I will say he had every right to defend himself with lethal force, there is no expectation that there will not be consequences to his actions. He is lucky to be alive. In the end the robber still got away…Just what did he think he was going to do? Shoot first? Shoot the robber after he shot his manager or himself? Just think about the scenario and all the over-reactors will realize that just because you have a weapon does not mean you have to pull it out.
  
  ““Never leave a man behind,” he said. “I’m not going to leave my brother in a room with a guy with a gun — that’s threatening his life…” Unfortunately that is EXACTLY what he did when he left to go get his weapon…Did he call 911 first?
  
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truthnstuff
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:22pm
Political correctness run a muck. Let’s hope AutoZone feels the financial correctness when their sales plummet.

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- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:18pm
  Yep,
  I will go to O’Reilly’s instead. I will first find out if they have a stupid zero tolerance for guns too. I will not even buy a cotter pin from them now. I will drive out of my way to go somewhere else. I am sick of these cowardly progs that just want you to hand it over and plead for your life, cry and snivel like a girl. Hey Autozone-eat it.
  
  Report this comment
- iampraying4u
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:31pm
  I will never shop at auto zone again
  
  Report this comment
- grimmster
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:47pm
  I have never shopped at autozone, ever, as a mechanic for over 30 years i would buy junkyard parts over the crap autozone sells……
  
  Report this comment
- glckgrl
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 4:21am
  I agree! I won’t purchase from Auto Zone due to stupid termination AND because it’s less safe to be there. Clearly this veteran knew how to handle a gun properly and used his skills to neutralize a bad situation. He should have been promoted, not fired. I like Do Not Patronize lists and will seek them.
  
  My life would be different if I’d had help from a hero like that vet. I left a corrupt law firm who gave my home address to former state appointed (criminal, mental health) clients. One came to my home with a gun, threatened to shoot me on courthouse steps (anyone can access lawyer court dates online). I lacked evidence to get no contact order-their word v. mine-they have RIGHTS.
  
  Kind cop/gun instructors suggested I move–I did–person came to my office w gun. No matter I worked 2 jobs & attended night college 10 yrs & worked through law school–person had “rights”.
  So, after decades of hard work, my choice was retire or still publish office address. I closed firm. I can’t do vet appeals pro bono (free) now, or help impoverished. I tithed (free) 10% of my practice to those who couldn’t afford me, got kids away from drug/violent parents. No more, so be it.
  
  Life ain’t always fair–oh well! I train to remain gun proficient and pray to God I never need to stop a threat. If that vet was my next door neighbor (instead of the obamaDrone), maybe different ending.
  
  I know Law enforcement IS great, IF they arrive in time… but we need the 2nd amendmen
  
  Report this comment
Mustanger
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:20pm
Thank God this young Vet can still carry. Maybe we should have a centennial celebration of the Veteran benefit riots in DC? History should repeat itself.

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- truthnstuff
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:00pm
  Here is a man, a real man, working for a living, not doing the selfish thing, gets fired, and he still sticks to his principles. He should be an example to the pants on the floor crowd. The right thing now would be for AutoZone to learn their lesson.
  
  Report this comment
- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:26pm
  The lawyers want you to cry and snivel and beg for your lives. They want you to degrade and humiliate yourself in the face of low-life punks. They want you to hand it over. And the store executives lap it up like a dog laps up it’s own puke. If you make it easy for the goons to do it, guess what? They do it MORE. Don’t you execs see that? Same thing with bank robbery. Hell, all you need now is a fricking piece of paper with a threat on it to succeed. Banks should post a guard with a 12 guage shotgun or powerful semi-auto rifle behind mirrored glass in plain sight of the counter. I guarantee you after news gets out that punks are getting blown away with shotguns that crap will stop in a heartbeat. But oh, we can’t have that. Some poor minority without a dad will get smoked and everybody will cry racism. Then, the banks will run for the hills like scalded apes. Can’t have that. (sarc)
  
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- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:29pm
  Alright you small business owners. Remember what I said about not hiring progs because they suck? Well, here is your chance to hire a real man, a conservative with balls and integrity and who won’t let you down when you need him. Step up and do the right thing.
  
  Report this comment
- chicago76
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:55pm
  You have to remember auto zones clientele is made up of many Obamazombies like the robber. Can’t be pulling guns on the clientele. They might get scared off. Better to let a few die for the company than all suffer.
  
  Report this comment
FaithfulFriend
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:20pm
I guess auto zone prefers the dead zone, but since fired is better then buried then I’ll stop carrying mine into my local dead zone auto store and instead carry it into the O’Relly’s auto store to shop. It’s closer to home anyway.

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:25pm
  Same. I just let AutoZone know as much on their Contact Us form. Will be having them added to the “Do Not Patronize” database for Ohio when I get over to my gun rights website(s) this evening.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:49pm
  I let AutoZone know I will no longer spend my cash at their store (IN OHIO) until this is corrected.
  Mr. McClean is probably better off at a place who appreciates people willing to protect their employees rather than playing lawyer-ball. I would certainly feel safer with more CCL holders around me.
  
  Report this comment
- Favored93
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:01am
  @GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:25pm
  Same. I just let AutoZone know as much on their Contact Us form. Will be having them added to the “Do Not Patronize” database for Ohio when I get over to my gun rights website(s) this evening.
  ——–
  I live outside of Dayton OH and have already done the same… I have an O’Relly’s here in Tipp :)
  I do not believe in Boycotts and I support their right to say what and by whom things come into their store but I will not go into a place were my gun is not welcomed.
  To be honest I do not want to use it. If a store has a no gun sign then the criminals know they are the only ones that have them…if I have mine on me and am in a store like that it WILL GET USED (if it is getting robbed when I am there and is likely given the sign)!
  Criminals should be VERY afraid if they do NOT see that sign!
  FYI all ye business owners out there those of us who take the time and get a permit we ARE ALREADY FOLLOWING THE LAW and do NOT use our guns to hurt you or others and you should be glad we are there! Every one around me is safer because I have a gun!
  
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- Lt_Scrounge
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 10:04pm
  I recommended that they change their name to “Unarmed Victim Zone” and advised them that if a customer or employee is murdered during a robbery, they will be legally liable in a wrongful death lawsuit for failing to provide adequate security.
  
  Report this comment
Just_Us2
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:18pm
So Autozone has made public that no employees have guns or will go to their car to get a gun. Easy pickins for a robbery….why would I want to shop at a store that has just advertised to the nation that any gun totin criminal should come in a rob them….thanks but no thanks…I will shop somewhere safe.

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- Favored93
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 3:07am
  Yup….my point EXACTLY!
  You and the nation now know that Autozone is an unsafe place to do business in…they just screwed the pooch and WITHOUT a boycott!
  
  Report this comment
GuruMeditation
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
When store or company policies trump the rights of the individual they are in the wrong. It’s unconstitutional. I will buy somewhere other than AutoZone going forward.

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- AnotherPaulian
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:40pm
  As much as I hope I would’ve done the same as this man and as wrong as I think the store policy is, your individual rights are trumped by the rights of the property owner. If someone comes onto my property, surely I have the right to tell them they can’t bring a gun.
  
  Report this comment
- goahead.makemyday
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:57pm
  ANOTHERPAULIAN is correct. It is private property and the property has the right to enforce any posted rules that do are not contrary to laws. While Auto Zone is within it’s rights to fire him for bringing the gun in it is also our right to choose to business else where and allow Auto Zone to feel the financial pressure until/if they change their policy.
  
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- AnotherPaulian
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:17pm
  @makemyday agree completely
  
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OldSurfRat
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
Devin
Dont sweat it.
You will find a better job. They did you a favor and with this comming out they will see a big drop in their sales.
I frequent our local autozone and now will never set foot in their doors again. I will go right across the street to Discount Auto. I will also be passing this along to all my freinds and family.

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- c.parker
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:44pm
  As a proud Air Force wife, I and my family are right there with you. I happen to have a 0 tolerance policy for shameful behavior.
  
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bannedfromCNN
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
Autozone, you blew it. No more business from me.

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- shimauma42
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:29pm
  Attached is the page for their customer comments at AutoZone
  
  https://www.autozone.com/autozone/contactus/customerService.jsp?landingPageCategory=inOurStores&title=customer+service
  
  Report this comment
- jaylew
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:55pm
  Indeed I just left such a “No More Patronizing” email to Autozones comment weblink….and others should consider taking a minute out and doing the same.
  
  Report this comment
- WarMunger_Al
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:55pm
  Just emailed them as well.
  
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Mustanger
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
What a shame. I sorta liked my autozone. Off to CARQUEST, it’s further but Jason the owner is a good guy.

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meeester
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:14pm
I live in between two Autozone stores – that’s two stores I will pass in the future.

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undrprsr
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:13pm
i just purchased some oil and antifreeze from autozone because of convenience NEVER AGAIN!

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- checkmate0831
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:21pm
  Return it…
  
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00100111
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:12pm
Good job, Devin. Sorry you got fired. It seems most companies these days are lacking in loyalty to their employees. They’d rather “avoid liability” than stand with you that you did the right thing.

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- GuruMeditation
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:19pm
  It’s probably best for you now, Devon, that you no longer work there. How could you want to now anyway?
  
  Report this comment
- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:46pm
  What I don’t get is what the execs are afraid of? Are they afraid that if a punk comes in , hoodie in tow, and he gets smoked while committing and armed robbery that somehow the family of the punk is gonna’ cash in at their expense? I guess that might be true in the inner city where armed robbers are considered heros, but in the burbs and everywhere else? Please……………Somebody with true legal credentials explain that to me please. And , I want to know your BAR license number or don’t even talk to me.
  
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IWISHIWASINTEXAS
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:11pm
He didn’t even shoot the guy!!! All he did was ward off the thief and possibly save his fellow employees’ lives!

I hope someone hires this guy soon. I’d want someone with that courage to work at my business.

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- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:51pm
  New business motto: “Fire the dirty progs, hire the consevative dogs”. Lame but you get the point.
  
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RANGER1965
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:10pm
For what it’s worth, Auto Zone who I use frequently has until the end of the week to offer this man his job back with an apology or I will never use them again.

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:16pm
  I’m on board with that!
  
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- Cavallo
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:17pm
  Yup, adding them to the list of businesses to do business with their competitors. This guy though is likely to get a new job rather quickly with the national publicity he just received.
  
  Report this comment
- TRUMPETCALL
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:37pm
  __
  
  WELCOME HOME, SOLDIER.
  
  And, thank you for your service.
  
  Standing with you.
  
  Ranger ON!
  
  __
  
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aggiebrewer
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:08pm
corporate telephone # 901-495-6300
press 1
then 9

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- KevINtampa
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:21pm
  Either that’s a wrong number or the inundation of calls killed the local switch. Reports as disconnected.
  
  Report this comment
Uechi
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:08pm
Typical left wing knee jerk reaction. These AH’s would have preferrred that he call the police and hope they get there before he or his manager were dead. I’m sure some company not run by morons will offer Mr McClean a proper job where being a standup guy doesn’t get you a pink slip.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:06pm
OMG a veteran with a gun! Quick Jan get a hood on em and get him to GITMO ASAP.The guy saves your life and gets fired,only in Amerika folks. Autozone can’t have armed employees defending their lives and the lives of their co workers,no it’s much better to have your employees bagged and tagged then to stop an armed robbery,makes perfect sense.

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- mercenary4freedom
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:20pm
  The guy was robbing the business & threatening with a gun. I would have shot him!
  
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- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:35pm
  And here I thought car part stores were manly places? Apparently, it isn’t at AutoZone anymore. They will NOT get any more of my money until this is corrected.
  
  Report this comment
TheGrtDcptn
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:06pm
BOO Autozone…!!…I’ll find another place to do my business…not at a company who’d rather see their employees potentially DEAD…

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goahead.makemyday
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:05pm
If I ever own a business that deals with cash and cash registers I’d recommend that my employees take gun safety courses and carry in my store imagine how often my store would be robbed if that was posted. That is of course unless the insurance is too high then I’d enforce a gun don’t ask don’t tell policy. You know kind of like malls and flash mobs.

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RightUnite
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:05pm
What a shame… Hopefully he’ll be hired somewhere where guns ARE ALLOWED!

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- KevINtampa
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:15pm
  He should use his local celebrity and do a commercial(s) for a local gun shop. If owned a gun shop I’d spend a few grand on his endorsement of my shop.
  
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ResistSocialism
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:04pm
Next time let the manager fend for himself or shoot the thief in the head and resign.

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- LIZ_ADAMS
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:24pm
  I like this one…!
  
  Report this comment
M40-A1
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:04pm
Yet another corporation that has failed to stand on any principle.

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Gringo Lingo
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:04pm
And here I go, Off to the AutoZone corporate web site!

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Thornyrose13
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:01pm
If Autozone doesn’t hire him back, I hope some other employer recognizes a good employee when he sees one. Meantime, I think I’ll swing by and turn in my autozone card and explain why I will be using other companies from now on.

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- Pork_Anvil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:41pm
  You, sir, are full of poop!
  
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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:21pm
  Oh look, Pork is here and not contributing to the conversation.
  
  Seriously guy, this is all you have to do in life? Don’t you feel like you could improve yourself more by getting out in the world and learning how to interact with others without the need to sneer and throw out invective?
  
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- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:46pm
  You see Ghost,
  Pork would rather you drop to the floor and beg for your life and be humiliated all the while the hoodie wearing punk looks down upon you sneering at your cowardice before he puts a bullet in your head. Well, at least one of Obama’s supporters didn’t get hurt in the process.
  
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Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:00pm
He is not only protecting the store. He is protecting himself.

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