Attempted Robbery in San Mateo with Sawed-Off Shotgun Lands Man Serious Prison Time

By Bay City News Service:

A Richmond man has been sentenced to 13 years in state prison after he pleaded no contest to trying to rob a San Mateo market with a sawed-off shotgun on his birthday in February, prosecutors said.

Vincent Lee Carter Jr., 26, pleaded no contest Tuesday to a charge of attempted robbery and admitted to using a sawed-off shotgun during the robbery, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Karesh then sentenced Carter to the 13-year sentence for attempted robbery, illegal use of a firearm and enhancements for having a prior felony conviction, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Carter entered the La Raza Market with the shotgun around 10 p.m. on Feb. 26 -- his birthday -- and demanded money from the store clerk.

Instead of giving Carter the money, the clerk hit the store alarm, grabbed the shotgun and started wrestling with the suspect.

Another employee helped subdue Carter until police arrived on the scene to take him into custody.

(Image via Shutterstock)