The teenage grocery store clerk who shot and killed a would-be robber with his own gun acted in a "classic case of self-defense," according to the Salt Lake district attorney's office.

"If we could give the kid a medal, we probably should," said Bud Ellett, chief deputy district attorney.Nate Nusz, 17, was shot twice by Donald Moyes, 36, during an early morning robbery attempt at Smith's Food and Drug Center, 3171 E. 3300 South. After being shot, Nusz wrested the gun from the older man and shot him once. Moyes died at the store. Nusz was flown to University Hospital where he was originally listed in critical condition.

The Skyline honors student was released from the hospital Wednesday morning, amid criticism by several radio disc jockeys that he should talk to the media about what happened March 1.

In a statement released through Smith's spokeswoman Shelley Thomas, Nusz said he'd avoided any publicity because "it was a frightening experience we don't care to relive over and over."

"You never believe that something like this is going to happen to you," he wrote. "I can only say that it changes everything. I will never forget that night, or the feeling that I was going to die. I hope everyone knows that I was acting in fear for my life."

Nusz had worked full-time at night at the Canyon Rim Smith's store on a work program through high school for about a year.

Salt Lake County sheriff's spokesman Jim Potter agreed with Ellett's decision.

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"Nate was just doing the best he could," Potter said. "He fired to try to protect himself. (The shooting) was a direct result of the confrontation."

Potter said the disc jockeys who criticized Nusz "acted in poor taste."

In his statement, Nusz also thanked those involved in his recovery.

"My parents and I have received cards and letters from all over expressing their good wishes," Nusz said. "Everyone at the Salt Lake County sheriff's office, University Medical Center and Smith's has been great. All I can say is thanks."

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