Jewerly store clerk shot during armed robbery

CLARKSTON, Mich. - At least one of three suspects is in custody following an armed robbery of a jewelry store in Clarkston.

The armed robbery happened at about 4:00pm Saturday at the Clarkston Jewelry Outlet along Dixie Highway and White Lake Road. One of the owners and former military officer, Danny Chiapelli, was shot in back. Fortunately, the bullet grazed him and he's doing fine.

The owner's wife spoke with FOX 2, and told us what happened.

"They busted through the front door," says Tracy Chiapelli. "My son was at the work bench, working on some jewelry. Danny was standing behind him. Danny went around the office to hit the panic buttons."

She continued telling FOX 2, "One apprehended Danny. One apprehended my son. Held guns to their heads. Told them to get to the ground."

That's when she says her husband turned into "a warrior," all to protect his family.

"He went in to 'protect my son' mode. Wrestled with the guy and tried to get the gun from him," Tracy said. "He panicked and told this guy to come in here and shoot this mother-fer. And the guy came back there and said if you don't let go of this gun. He said I'll kill your boy. They came in and ransacked it. Hit Danny with the gun in the head. Put the boys, shot him in the back too. That's when Danny was trying to apprehend the gun so they wouldn't hurt our son."

Danny's wife tells FOX 2 that Danny got in his truck after he had been grazed in the back with a bullet during the robbery, and chased after the suspects to a nearby cemetery where they continued shooting at him.

Fortunately, he was not struck again.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Department is handling the investigation. So far, they have not released any further details regarding the suspects or descriptions.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Oakland County Sheriff's Department.