Police: Pharmacist who shot & killed armed robber Monday was “justified”

Published 3:36 pm Tuesday, January 22, 2019

LULING — Police say the killing of an armed gunman Monday evening was “justified,” according to information released by St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne.

The deceased shooting victim has been identified as 36-year-old Mark Fisher Jr. of Madisonville.

Fisher was involved in an attempted armed robbery that occurred just prior to 6 p.m. Monday at Village Drug Store on Paul Maillard Road in Luling.

Police said Fisher, clad in black clothing, facemask and gloves, and armed with a handgun, entered Thrift Village and ordered the store’s pharmacist and clerk to go behind the counter while he demanded drugs.

The gunman produced a zip tie and strapped the clerk’s hands together. Before Fisher was able to zip tie the pharmacist, the pharmacist retrieved his handgun to defend the clerk and himself. A fight ensued and the suspect fled towards the front door. The pharmacist ran to the front door in an attempt to lock it.

Fisher turned back towards the pharmacist near the doorway and charged towards the pharmacist. The pharmacist fired one shot from his handgun, striking the suspect in the right leg.

Fisher fled, running an estimated 100 yards, where he collapsed behind Thrift Village. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered Fisher’s lifeless body.

An autopsy completed Tuesday showed Fisher was shot one time in the femoral artery.

Champagne said he does not believe criminal charges will be filed against the pharmacist.

“All indications in this investigation, including the recovered store surveillance video, shows that the pharmacist and the store clerk’s lives were in imminent danger, justifying the use of deadly force,” a release from the Sheriff’s Office said. “This incident is currently deemed as a justified shooting.”