NSW: Sydney shopkeeper gunned down in bungled armed robbery
By Sheree Went
SYDNEY, Dec 24 AAP - A Sydney shopkeeper died in hospital today after he was shot twicein the stomach while chasing two alleged robbers up the street in a bungled armed robbery.
Two men, one armed with a pistol, had followed the 58-year-old Maroubra man and twoof his staff into the Retravision electrical store on Bunnerong Road, Matraville as theyopened up this morning at 9am (AEDT).
Retravision named the man as Jim Rawas and said he was a major part of the "family"
having spent 27 years owning and operating stores throughout Sydney's eastern suburbs.
"Jim's a man that has worked hard through his life and it's unfortunate that you getyourself into such a situation when you give so much to your job," Retravision's marketingdevelopment manager Gary Smith told AAP.
Mr Smith said the whole Retravision network had been rocked by Mr Rawas' death.
"Our members are shattered about it ... it is just so shocking to happen on ChristmasEve or any time of year."
"The staff and the community are devastated, he was such an integral part of communitylife," he said.
NSW Police Superintendent David Owens said an altercation had erupted inside the storeas the alleged robbers threatened Mr Rawas and his two employees demanding money and thekeys to a safe.
The men then grabbed a wad of cash and ran out of the store but were pursued by MrRawas and his staff.
An altercation ensued and Mr Rawas was shot twice on the footpath before the allegedgunman was apprehended by one of the staff members.
Mr Rawas was rushed to Prince of Wales hospital for emergency surgery but died on theoperating table shortly after midday.
His 46-year-old employee from Matraville was also taken to hospital with minor headinjuries after being struck with the gun.
The second offender escaped down a nearby alleyway and police are now hunting the mandescribed as being of white European appearance, mid-20s, 180cm tall and of a large buildwith a dark tan.
Supt Owens said the Matraville store had not been the subject of recent attacks andthere was no information about the level of planning involved in the invasion.
"There is always reports all over of people breaking in unfortunately sometimes it'sa sign of the times," Supt Owens said.
He also warned the public about chasing down offenders who were known to be armed.
"It depends on the circumstances in this instance the people involved have made a callat the time and I certainly wouldn't criticise that (but) generally we would ask peoplenot to chase people who they know are armed."
A Matraville shopkeeper, who witnessed the shooting but did not want to be named, saidthe whole thing was a total shock.
"We have all known him for such a long time and it is just such a great loss," the man said.
Another man, who also did not want to be named, said his three staff had seen the attackbut had gone home in shock.
Supt Owens urged anyone with information to contact Maroubra Police Station on 02 94399299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
AAP swe/cd/sb
KEYWORD: SHOT NIGHTLEAD
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