Would-be thief sends merciful NY store owner $50

[December 04, 2009]  SHIRLEY, N.Y. (AP) -- A Long Island convenience store owner who showed mercy to a would-be robber said he's received an apology note and $50 in the mail.

The unsigned note said it was from the man who tried to rob Mohammad Sohail. It said the would-be robber has a new job, a new child and is staying out of trouble.

Sohail is saving the $50 for charity.

The bat-wielding man tearfully told Sohail in May that he was trying to feed his family. The rifle-toting businessman gave him $40 and bread, and made him promise never to rob again.

The man disappeared when Sohail went to get milk for the family.

___

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.