What happened: A cellphone in the VIC's pocket blocked a bullet during an attempted armed robbery and sh00ting at a Boynton Beach Marathon gas station on Tuesday.
Background: the incident unfolded around 11:12 a.m. The VIC told investigators he was walking back to his Jeep Wrangler when a suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Christopher Carlos Porta, pressed a firearm into his back and demanded his belongings.
When the VIC refused, the suspect sh0t him in the right ankle and threatened to kll him before firing a second round directly at Leatherman's left shorts pocket. The cellphone inside the pocket stopped the bullet from striking his body.
The VIC fled toward the gas pumps as the suspect fired additional shots. The VIC was transported to Delray Trauma Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators used traffic cameras and witness statements to track the suspects to a West Palm Beach residence on Laura Lane. As officers surrounded the home, Porta threw a 9mm handgun into an alley before surrendering.
The VIC positively identified Porta in a photo lineup, leading to his arrest for attempted homicide and attempted robbery with a firearm.
The available details are limited to the information verified at publication time. Readers should expect updates as the matter develops.
Any person identified in connection with an alleged offense is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: official sources including CBS12 News.
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