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Police: Iraq War Vet Thwarts Gas Station Break-In

SHINGLETON, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Police say an Iraq War veteran thwarted two would-be burglars at his northern Michigan gas station by kicking one of them and ordering them away with an AR-15 rifle.

State police said Shawn Schank was inside the gas station about 4:10 a.m. Sunday in Shingleton, an Upper Peninsula community in Alger County, when two people wearing ski masks forced their way into the building and approached the cash register.

Police say Schank kicked one of them, retrieved the AR-15 from his office and ordered the burglars to leave. One of the burglars took off his mask and pleaded with Schank not to shoot him before both suspects fled on foot, according to police.

Schank apparently recognized the crook who removed his mask and called 911 to give the suspect's identity to police.

Police say a short time later, they arrested a 17-year-old from Shingleton and an 18-year-old from Munising. The are jailed pending charges.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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