Mailing Machine Operator

Department of Community Services and Development

10/12/2007

Special Act Award (Gold)

On October 12, 2007, Luciano Venegas was off-duty from his State job and working in the stock room of a family-owned store when he heard the store clerk scream for help. Mr. Venegas, who is licensed to carry a gun, immediately drew his weapon and proceeded toward the front of the store. An armed, masked man had come in and was demanding money from the clerk. When the clerk saw his gun, she panicked, screamed, and ran toward the stock room. The robber ran after her. When the robber saw Mr. Venegas, he began moving toward him with his gun pointed at him. Mr. Venegas fired three shots at the suspect, who fell to the ground. The robber, who was still holding his gun, staggered to get up, and Mr. Venegas fired his gun two more times. The suspect stumbled, turned, and ran out through the stock room door as Mr. Venegas fired one last shot. The still armed robber continued running toward the store’s exit but dropped his gun on the floor as he ran out of the store. The robber was later apprehended by law enforcement officials and found to be a convicted felon. He was charged with attempted robbery and felony assault with a deadly weapon. Both the store clerk and Mr. Venegas were badly shaken, but unharmed. Mr. Venegas’ actions in the face of immediate and life-threatening danger were responsible for preventing serious harm or death to his co-worker and himself.