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CNN Live Today

K-Mart Store Clerk Saves Girl's Life

Aired May 31, 2002 - 14:18   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: A K-Mart store clerk is being hailed as a hero today, after his actions during an armed robbery earlier this week. His quick thinking may have actually saved the life of a little girl. We get more now from Ethan Harp with our affiliate, KCRA.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ETHAN HARP, KCRA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Memorial Day, 9:30 p.m., two masked gunmen walk into K-Mart on Mariposa Road, attacking a store manager, then jumping over a counter and grabbing cash, and putting his hands up on the right is 17-year-old Francisco Ferreyra. Seconds later, just after the robbers walk out, a woman and little girl walk in. then Francisco goes to the door to see which way the men are running off. Suddenly, gunshots. Watch as he scoops up the child.

FRANCISCO FERREYRA, RESCUED GIRL: I started walking back, telling them which way they're going. They're going to the Montezuma School. I looked back again and that's when he comes back. As they shoot, she leaves her daughter, and I see her and pick her up and just -- because you know, bullets get lost. They could hit something and then shoot back in another direction.

HARP: If it sounds like something anyone would do, ask Francisco's girlfriend, who we showed the tape to.

BRIZA REYES, CLERK'S GIRLFRIEND: It's kind of scary. I don't know what I would have done if I would have been there. I think I just would have freaked.

HARP (on camera): Were they aiming at you?

FERREYRA: Yes. And I didn't even see her until I felt her, and I just picked her up. It was like instinct. Why not? She's just a little kid. You know what I mean. I wouldn't want a bullet in my sister.

HARP (voice-over): Police released the video, knowing the thieves won't be recognized, but hoping they'll brag about their crime to someone who turns them in. One person who isn't bragging is Francisco.

FERREYRA: It's a child, you know. She's got a longer life than me. HARP: Ethan Harp for CNN, Stockton, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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