Police: Suspect killed after robbery attempt

RICHMOND, Ind. (WDTN) - The investigation continues Monday in the case of a man who police say was shot and killed over the weekend by the owner of a pizza place he was reportedly trying to rob.

Officers were dispatched after 10 p.m. Saturday to Mercurio's Pizza in the 200 block of South Eighth Street in Richmond.

When police arrived, they found 30-year-old Freddie McCoy lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound.

According to officials, he was transported to Reid Hospital where he later died.

In a statement, the lawyers of Mercurio's owner Terry Padgett, say he "acted quickly and decisively to protect both his business and his daughter."

They say Padgett's thoughts are with the family and friends of McCoy.

Police are not saying whether McCoy had a weapon, although they say he was wearing gloves and a black ski mask.

We did some digging and found McCoy has had a number of brushes with the law and among those we talked with it was hard to find much sympathy for him.

"If the guy was robbing the place, one less robber to worry about," says resident Jerry Day.

Police tell us what people do to protect themselves is up to them, but that you shouldn't take the decision to own a gun lightly.

"If you decide to arm yourself take the proper training and understand the legalities of the things you may have to do," Lt. Ervin says.

Police say it could be weeks before prosecutors decide on whether to bring charges in the case.