W. Wash. clerk fights off robber with mop

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Police in Bellingham, Wash., say a minimart clerk successfully used a mop to fight off a would-be robber armed with a knife. Sgt. Jason Monson tells the Bellingham Herald that a man entered Starvin’ Sam’s on Monday night while a clerk was mopping in the cashier area. The officer says the man took out a knife and jumped over the counter into the area where the man was mopping. The clerk reportedly used the mop to knock the man to the floor. The struggle continued outside the store until the failed robber fled. The clerk escaped with some minor scrapes and bruises. No merchandise was taken. A police dog failed to track the attacker. Police are checking surveillance video in the area.