ARMED CIVILIANS REALLY DO CAPTURE, KILL, STOP MASS SHOOTERS

Backers of laws that let pretty much all law-abiding carry concealed guns in public places often argue that these laws will sometimes enable people to stop mass shootings.

Opponents occasionally ask: If that’s so, what examples can one give of civilians armed with guns stopping such shootings? Sometimes, I hear people asking if even one such example can be found, or saying that they haven’t heard even one such example.

Naturally, such examples will be rare, partly because mass shootings are rare, partly because many mass shootings happen in supposedly “gun-free” zones (such as schools, universities, or private property posted with a no-guns sign) in which gun carrying isn’t allowed, and partly for other reasons. Moreover, at least some examples are contested, because it might be unclear — as you’ll see below — whether the shooter had been planning to kill more people when he was stopped. But here are instances that I have seen, not counting killings stopped by people who were off-duty police officers (or police officers from other jurisdictions) at the time of the shooting.

1. In Pearl, Mississippi in 1997, 16-year-old Luke Woodham stabbed and bludgeoned to death his mother at home, then killed two students and injured seven at his high school. As he was leaving the school, he was stopped by Assistant Principal Joel Myrick, who had gone out to get a handgun from his car. I have seen sources that state that Woodham was on the way to Pearl Junior High School to continue shooting, though I couldn’t find any contemporaneous news articles that so state.

2. In Edinboro, Pennsylvania in 1996, 14-year-old Andrew Wurst shot and killed a teacher at a school dance, and shot and injured several other students. He had just left the dance hall, carrying his gun — possibly to attack more people, though the stories that I’ve seen are unclear — when he was confronted by the dance hall owner James Strand, who lived next door and kept a shotgun at home.

It’s not clear whether Wurst was planning to kill others, would have gotten into a gun battle with the police, or would have otherwise killed more people had Strand not stopped him.

3. In Winnemucca, Nevada in 2008, Ernesto Villagomez killed two people and wounded two others in a bar filled with three hundred people. He was then shot and killed by a patron who was carrying a gun (and had a concealed carry license). It’s not clear whether Villagomez would have killed more people; the killings were apparently the result of a family feud, and I could see no information on whether Villagomez had more names on his list, nor could one tell whether he would have killed more people in trying to evade capture.

4. In Colorado Springs in 2007, Matthew Murray killed four people at a church. He was then shot several times by Jeanne Assam, a church member, volunteer security guard, and former police officer (she had been dismissed by a police department 10 years before, and to my knowledge hadn’t worked as a police officer since). Murray, knocked down and badly wounded, killed himself; it is again not clear whether he would have killed more people had he not been wounded, but my guess is that he would have.

So it appears that civilians armed with guns are sometimes willing to intervene to stop someone who had just committed a mass shooting in public. In what fraction of mass shootings would such interventions happen, if gun possession were allowed in the places where the shootings happen?

We don’t know. In what fraction would interventions prevent more killings and injuries, as opposed to capturing or killing the murderer after he’s already done? We don’t know. In what fraction would interventions lead to more injuries to bystanders?

Again, we don’t know. Finally, always keep in mind that mass shootings in public places should not be the main focus in the gun debate, whether for gun control or gun decontrol: They on average account for much less than 1% of all homicides in the U.S., and are unusually hard to stop through gun control laws (since the killer is bent on committing a publicly visible murder and is thus unlikely to be much deterred by gun control law, or by the prospect of encountering an armed bystander).

Still, people have asked for examples of some shootings in which a civilian armed with a gun intervened and brought down the shooter — so here they are.

December 13, 2012

Gas station clerks shoot armed robber, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio 12/10/12

Two clerks were operating a Sunoco gas station in Springfield Township, Ohio, when an armed robber entered the store and ordered one of the clerks to “go behind the counter and get me the money.” As the criminal went behind the counter he fired at the clerks, prompting the pair to retrieve a .40-caliber pistol and a shotgun and fire at the robber. Shots fired by both clerks struck the criminal, killing him. A daily customer of the Sunoco station was puzzled as to why anyone would attempt to rob the store, telling local media, “I know everyone that works in there. They are all great guys. Everybody knows they have guns. That’s why I’m surprised someone tried to rob them. It does not make sense.” ***

December 11, 2012

Store owner stops knife-wielding robber, WOOD-TV, Battle Creek, Mich. 12/04/12

Pardeep Singh was working behind the counter of his family’s convenience store, Liberty Mart, in Battle Creek, Mich. when a man entered the store and demanded money. Singh handed over some money and tried to calm the robber by talking to him. Unsatisfied with the amount of cash, the criminal said he needed more money, revealed a knife and attempted to get behind the counter. As the robber moved towards Singh, Singh retrieved a gun and shot the criminal in the head, ending the robbery. The wounded robber was taken to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. No one else was harmed during the incident. ***

December 5, 2012

AutoZone Employee Fired After Saving Manager, (WTKR, Hampton Roads, Va. 11/30/12) An armed robber, who police believe has robbed more than 30 businesses on Virginia’s middle peninsula, entered an AutoZone in York County, Va. and attempted to rob the store. Upon recognizing the criminal who has been called the “fake beard bandit,” store employee Devin McClean retreated to the store’s bathroom, then exited the store and headed for his truck. McClean retrieved a pistol from his vehicle, reentered the store and ordered the criminal to freeze as he was terrorizing another employee. At first the bandit complied and threw his hands in the air, but then he fled the scene. Following the incident, the manager on duty told McClean, “thank you Devin, you really saved my life.” Unfortunately, two days after the attempted robbery, McClean was fired by AutoZone, whose corporate office cited a zero tolerance policy when contacted by the media. Despite losing his job, McClean says he wouldn’t change anything, stating, “If I can save somebody’s life, I put that way above store policy.” ***

November 29, 2012

Jewelry store owner combats violent criminals, KGO-TV, San Francisco, Calif. 11/26/2012

Two masked and armed criminals entered Joyeria Vanessa jewelry store in San Jose, Calif. and demanded money from the owner. In response, the owner retrieved a pistol and fired at the robbers. The shots missed, but sent the criminals fleeing to a nearby getaway car. Police made clear that the woman had a right to defend herself. ***

November 27, 2012

Woman defends son and home from burglar, The Joplin Globe, Joplin, Mo. 11/21/12

A woman was at home with her three-year-old son in Wyandotte, Okla. when she was awakened by a knock on her door. The homeowner peered outside, noticed a strange man at her door and retrieved a .22-caliber pistol. The man then began breaking into the home, making it through one of two locked doors; at which point the woman opened the inside door and fired a shot at the criminal. The would-be burglar fled to a waiting getaway car and proceeded to cross the state line into Missouri. After viewing surveillance video of a nearby road, Missouri police were able to determine the criminal’s whereabouts and make an arrest. ***

November 16, 2012

Store owner fatally shoots armed criminal, The Houston Chronicle, Houston, Texas 11/14/12, KTRK, Houston, Texas 11/15/12

A robber armed with a handgun entered a cell phone store in Houston, Texas and attempted to rob the owner. The owner responded by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminal, striking him twice and causing him to flee to a nearby getaway car. The robber died after the getaway driver took him to a hospital in Pearland, Texas. The getaway driver is in custody. ***

November 13, 2012

Immigrant uses revolver to defend home, The Herald, Sharon, Pa. 11/08/12

Italian immigrant Pete Delli Bovi was at home on his couch in Sharon, Pa. when an intruder attempted to break down his door with a brick at 3 in the afternoon. Delli Bovi, who told reporters he always keeps his .38-caliber revolver nearby, retrieved the gun and shot the criminal twice. The home invader fled the scene but was captured by police after seeking treatment at a local hospital. Sharon Police Chief Mike Menster made clear that no charges would be filed against Delli Bovi and remarked, “This is an occupational hazard of being a burglar – eventually, you’re going to go into the wrong house and you’re going to get hurt.” ***

November 7, 2012

Wanted criminal shot by 69-year-old homeowner, The Modesto Bee, Modesto, Calif. 11/05/12

While driving a car he stole less than 15 minutes earlier, a thief in Ceres, Calif. spotted a 69-year-old homeowner in his garage and attempted to rob him with a knife. The homeowner responded by retrieving a nearby .38-caliber handgun and shooting the criminal twice. The wounded robber fled the home but was captured by police in a nearby yard. An investigation revealed that the criminal already had a warrant out for his arrest, resulting from his lack of participation in a court ordered alternative work program. *** November 6, 2012 Store owner scares off masked gunman, The Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash. 11/04/12 A masked criminal, wielding what looked like a handgun, entered the Tienda la Comadre convenience store in Hermiston, Ore. and attempted to rob the store. Police say the robber was in the store for all of five seconds before the owner retrieved a gun and fired at the criminal, causing him to flee. Nothing was taken from the store. ***

November 2, 2012

Woman fights off two armed home invaders, The Beaufort Gazette, Beaufort, S.C. 10/30/12

A pair of armed intruders entered a home in St. Helena Island, S.C. and attempted to rob the 31-year-old woman who lives there. The homeowner responded by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminals, striking one and causing both to flee. The wounded criminal was discovered when he turned up at the Savannah Memorial University Medical Center seeking treatment; the other was captured a day later. The home invaders face charges of armed robbery and attempted murder. ***

November 1, 2012

Woman defends home from violent intruder, The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Ala. October 30, 2012

A 63-year-old woman suffering from congestive heart failure and arthritis was asleep at home in Bessemer, Ala. when an armed intruder came into her bedroom. The home invader demanded that the woman hand over money and jewelry, and when she didn’t comply, he drew a keyhole saw and cut her on her stomach and arm. Eventually, one of the woman’s seven dogs alerted a guest staying at the home to the commotion. The guest distracted the criminal long enough for the woman to retrieve a .44-caliber revolver and shoot the criminal, who fled the scene. Police captured the home invader a short time later after he sought treatment at a local hospital. Following the shooting, the woman told local media, “I have a family to protect and that’s what I did. I protected me and mine.” The armed citizen also noted that she has been a gun owner for more than 30 years and that “women are better with guns.” ***

October 23, 2012

12-year-old girl defends herself from home invader, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Okla. 10/19/12

12-year-old Kendra St. Clair was at home alone in Durant, Okla. when a man began banging on the front door. Frightened, Kendra called her mother at work, who told her to retrieve a .40-caliber pistol and to hide in the bathroom closet. Kendra complied, and after calling 911, heard the criminal break through a back door. After about six minutes inside the home, the intruder made it to the bathroom closet where Kendra was hiding. As the home invader attempted to open the closet, Kendra fired at the criminal, striking him and causing him to flee. Police captured the intruder a short time later and transported him to a hospital. Following the incident, Kendra’s mother told local media about how her daughter was coping, stating, “She’s a trooper… She’s staying strong and confident. She’s handling this much better than I would have.” When asked about her experience, Kendra told reporters, “I kept my head on straight.” ***

October 19, 2012

22-year-old woman defends herself against armed home invaders, NBC DFW, Dallas, Texas 10/18/12

A 22-year-old woman was at home alone in Dallas, Texas when a pair of home invaders, at least one of whom was armed, kicked in the front door. After retrieving a gun, the woman spotted the criminals as they were headed to the second floor of the house. The woman opened fire on the home invaders, striking one and causing both to flee. The wounded burglar collapsed just outside the front door and was later taken to a local hospital, where he died. The father of the armed citizen noted that he was proud of his daughter’s actions, stating, "I'm real proud of her because I taught her that... I taught my girls that -- to defend themselves when someone comes to hurt them, and apparently she listened." ***

October 18, 2012

Vietnam vet detains home invader, WITI Milwaukee, Wis., 10/16/12

After going to bed early, a homeowner in Kenosha County, Wis. was awakened around 8:30 p.m. by a suspicious noise. The homeowner retrieved a .22-caliber pistol, went to investigate and found a burglar in his basement. The homeowner shouted to the home invader, “I got a weapon. It’s loaded. I’m prepared to shoot, come out,” at which point the criminal gave himself up and was then held at gunpoint until police could arrive. In an interview with local media, the homeowner credited his service in Vietnam as preparing him for such an incident. The home invader’s father offered an apology to the homeowner, telling local media, “If you’re coming into my home like that, I can’t really honestly say you’re gonna walk out like you came in. I offer any kind of sympathy and sorrow toward that family." ***

October 16, 2012

70-year-old woman scares off home invader, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.V. 10/12/12

A 70-year-old woman was asleep in her Fayette County, W.V. home, when she was awakened by her burglar alarm. After arming herself with a .38-caliber revolver, the woman went to investigate. When she found the burglar, the criminal punched her in the face. The woman responded by firing at the home invader, causing him to flee. Local law enforcement officials have been supportive of the homeowner’s actions, with Fayette County Sheriff Steve Kessler noting, “If the victim of the burglary had been unarmed she could have been seriously injured or killed when confronted by this burglar.” (The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.V. 10/12/12) ***

October 10, 2012

Iraq War vet uses armed self-defense, The Associated Press, 10/01/12,

The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Ind. 10/08/12

Iraq War veteran Zach Rogers was on his third shift clerking at the 21st Amendment Liquor Store in Indianapolis, Ind. when he was forced to use his Second Amendment right to self-defense. An unruly customer instigated an argument and physical altercation with Rogers, during which the clerk retrieved a gun and shot the criminal. Following an investigation, a spokeswoman for the local prosecutor’s office made clear, “the shooting was self-defense,” and that Rogers would not face charges. ***

October 9, 2012

72-year-old fells home invader, The Press Enterprise, Riverside County, Calif. 10/05/12

72-year-old Jerry Duncan was asleep upstairs in his Lakeland Village, Calif. home when he was awakened by a loud noise. After getting up to investigate the sound, Duncan discovered that his power had been cut, so he retrieved a flashlight and made his way downstairs. Duncan noticed that an air conditioner had been pushed out of one of the windows, leaving it open, so he retrieved a pistol he had kept nearby and waited at the window. After about five minutes, a criminal attempted to come through the window, at which point Duncan fired, striking the man and causing him to flee. The home invader only made it about 15 feet before collapsing dead. In recalling the incident, Duncan explained, “All I was thinking about was defending myself… I’m in no shape to fight anybody. I’m 72 years old.” ***

October 8, 2012

Young woman scares off home invader, The Connecticut Post, Bridgeport, Conn. 10/3/12

A 27-year-old woman was staying the night at her aunt’s house, when she heard a suspicious noise. The woman retrieved a gun, went to investigate, and spotted an intruder in her aunt’s kitchen. After he was discovered, the home invader approached the woman, at which point she fired, causing him to flee. ***

October 3, 2012

73-year-old clerk defends store, The Livingston Daily Press & Argus, Livingston County, Mich. 10/02/12

A visibly intoxicated man entered Venture Corners convenience store in Deerfield Township, Mich. and tried to purchase beer. Taking into account the man’s state, 73-year-old clerk Fred Price refused to sell him the beer. The lout then threatened Price, showing the clerk what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. Price responded by retrieving a gun and holding the criminal at gunpoint until police could arrive. Upon inspection, the drunken man’s weapon turned out to be a BB gun. This is the second time in three years Price has been forced to defend his store. In 2010, Price used a firearm to scare off an armed robber toting a starter pistol. ***

September 26, 2012

Cancer patient detains home invaders, MLive.com, Michigan, 09/21/12

63-year-old cancer patient Dixon Smith was at home in Laketon Township, Mich. when a pair of burglars broke into his house. Smith spotted one of the criminals walking by his front window, and then heard the burglars talking downstairs. After retrieving a shotgun, Smith confronted the intruders, ordering them to the ground. The burglars complied, and Smith held the pair until police could arrive. According to Smith, the police response took “Kind of a long five to 10 minutes.” ***

September 20, 2012

Prepared store owner foils robbery, WYMT, Hazard, Ky. 09/18/12

A pair of armed robbers entered the Meta Mart convenience store in Pike County, Ky. and headed towards the counter. Upon spotting the men, the clerk on duty called out to store owner Garry Thornsberry, who was in a back office. After glancing up at a security monitor, Thornsberry recognized the threat, retrieved a gun and fired at the two criminals, causing them to flee. Thornsberry told local media that he had mentally prepared himself for a violent confrontation following robberies at other stores in the area, stating, “You have to prepare. It’s too late when it happens to start thinking ‘what am I going to do.’” Thornsberry went on to comment, “Until we get some of these people off the streets we’re going to have to live in fear of going to work.” ***

September 19, 2012

Career criminal stopped outside pizza shop, The Dayton Daily News, Dayton, Ohio 09/17/12

An armed criminal approached a delivery driver outside a Domino’s Pizza in Springfield, Ohio and attempted to rob him. An off-duty Domino’s employee noticed the robbery, drew a gun and shot the criminal. Despite having been shot twice in the stomach, the criminal attempted to retrieve his firearm, forcing a bystander to kick it away from him. Police Chief Steve Moody made clear that the armed citizen has not been charged. Local law enforcement suspects the criminal was involved in a similar robbery outside the same Domino’s a few nights before. Records show that the robber spent three years in prison following a 2007 conviction for aggravated robbery and is currently under indictment for burglary. ***

September 14, 2012

Pharmacist scares off pill thief, CBS News, 09/14/12

Pharmacist Dr. John Agyemang was working his shift at Jolin’s Pharmacy in Winslow, N.J. when an armed robber entered the store and demanded Oxycontin pills. Agyemang responded by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminal, who fled to a bike and into a nearby wooded area. An investigation revealed that Agyemang had a firearm owner’s identification card as required by New Jersey law. When asked about his actions Agyemang was humble, stating, “I'm no hero, but I thought, either him or I.” ***

September 13, 2012

Homeowner captures serial thieves, The Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton, Texas 09/12/12

After being awakened by a suspicious noise early in the morning, a homeowner in Denton, Texas went to investigate. The homeowner spotted a pair of criminals attempting to load a welding unit from his property onto a pickup truck. The homeowner retrieved a shotgun and a cell phone, called 911 and then confronted the burglars. At first the pair attempted to hit the homeowner with the truck, but eventually the homeowner got the upper hand and held thieves at gunpoint until police could arrive. The homeowner’s actions also helped police solve another crime; a trailer attached to the criminal’s pickup truck had previously been reported stolen. ***

September 7, 2012

Employee wounds violent intruder, The Daily Herald, Everett, Wash. 08/30/12

A 76-year-old employee at a real estate company in Everett, Wash. discovered an intruder at the office at around 9:15 a.m. The employee called 911, retrieved a gun and confronted the criminal, ordering him to stay put until police could arrive. The intruder refused, yelling at the employee and throwing office items at him. Eventually a scuffle broke out in which the employee fired at the criminal, striking him in the leg and causing him to flee. Police captured the intruder only a block away. ***

September 5, 2012

92-year-old World War II vet fights off home invaders, NKY.com, Northern Kentucky, September 3, 2012

92-year-old World War II veteran Earl Jones was at home on the Boone County, Ky. farm he has worked for over five decades when he heard a loud noise in the basement. Jones retrieved a .22-caliber rifle and went to a chair opposite the door to the basement. After several minutes, a home invader came through the basement door, at which point Jones fired at the criminal, killing him. The dead intruder’s accomplices fled the scene, but were captured after calling police with a lie about how their cohort had been shot. During an interview with local media, Jones made clear his adamant support for the right to self-defense. Jones told a reporter, “I didn’t go to war for nothing. I have the right to carry a gun. That’s what I told the police this morning,” adding, “Was I scared? Was I mad? Hell, no… It was simple. That man was going to take my life. He was hunting me. I was protecting myself.” ***

September 4, 2012

Store owner scares off robber, The Anniston Star, Anniston, Ala. 08/29/12

An armed criminal entered Stinson and Howard Fine Jewelry in Oxford, Ala. at around 12:30 p.m. and attempted to rob the store. Upon spotting the criminal, the store owner retrieved a gun and fired at the robber, missing him, but causing him to flee. Helpful local residents quickly alerted police to the attempted robbery, allowing them to capture the criminal only blocks away from the store. ***

August 30, 2012

Homeowner defends friends from attack, WJRT, Flint, Mich. 08/27/12

A group of friends were enjoying a bonfire outside one of their homes in Flint, Mich. when two armed robbers approached them. While the criminals herded the group inside the home and demanded their valuables, the homeowner got away from the main group and was able to retrieve a gun. When one of the robbers put a gun to the head of a victim who was having difficulty finding his wallet, the homeowner fired, striking the criminal and causing his accomplice to flee. The homeowner’s father, who lives next door to his son, said that police were supportive of his son’s actions, explaining, “the cops complemented him quite heavily on protecting his friends and his household and his family and everything else in the matter.” An investigation has led police to suspect that this was only the latest in a string of robberies these criminals were involved in ***

August 23, 2012

Sword-wielding robber thwarted at restaurant, The Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas, Nev. 08/21/12

A masked man armed with a samurai sword entered a Dairy Queen in Las Vegas, Nev. and attempted to rob the store. 20-year-old Michael Wehbe was working the cash register when the armed robber began hacking at it with the sword and demanding money. The clerk’s brother, 23-year-old Christian Wehbe, was in the back of the store, but when he saw the criminal on a surveillance camera he retrieved a 9mm pistol and rushed to help his brother. Once in the front of the store, Christian shot the robber, who later died at a local hospital. ***

August 20, 2012

Man fells dangerous dog, KLEW, Lewiston, Idaho, 08/14/12

After a dog owner lost control of her pit bull in Lewiston, Idaho, the dog ran off her property and attempted to attack a husband and wife out walking their dog. Recognizing the threat, the husband drew a pistol and shot the animal, ending the attack. The pit bull was taken to a local veterinary clinic, but later died. Following the incident, Lewiston Police Department Captain Tom Greene made clear to local media, “If you’re in fear of your life, fear of your safety, and there is a well founded fear, you are able to defend yourself.” The pit bull was known to authorities, having been labeled a level one dangerous dog after it tried to attack a woman in 2011. ***

August 14, 2012

71-year-old Right-to-Carry permit holder defends elderly women, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Mo. 08/12/12

A group comprised of one 71-year-old man and three elderly women were leaving the Grand Masonic Hall in St. Louis, Mo. when an armed robber approached them and demanded their valuables. The group complied with the robber, who walked up the street with the items, but then turned again towards the group. The elderly man, a Right-to-Carry permit holder, drew a gun and fired at the criminal, causing the criminal to return fire then flee. ***

August 9, 2012

Owner battles four men to protect store, Tampa Bay Times, Tampa, Fla. 07/28/12

A group of four armed men posing as police officers entered Marcelo’s Jewelry in Tampa, Fla. and attempted to rob the store. The store owner, Marcelo Suarez, noticed that the men were not police and retrieved a gun. Suarez and the robbers exchanged fire, before the criminals fled empty-handed. Police were unable to determine whether Suarez’s shots struck any of the robbers. Suarez was not harmed during the incident. ***

August 6, 2012

Elderly store owner fights off robbers, The Orange County Register, Orange County, Calif. 08/01/12, The L.A. Times, Los Angeles, Calif. 08/02/12)

A group of five masked and armed robbers entered Continental Jewelry in Garden Grove, Calif. and threatened a customer and store employees. After spotting the criminals, the 65-year-old woman who owns the store retrieved a handgun and fired at the robbers through a slot in a security wall. The criminals fled to a getaway car as soon as the owner opened fire. Criminals should think twice before planning a heist in Orange County, Calif. The attempted robbery in Garden Grove was the second incident in a week in which an Orange County jewelry store owner has defended a store with a gun. ***

August 1, 2012

Jewelry store owner defends customers and employees, KNBC, Los Angeles, Calif. 07/30/12, The Contra Costa Times, Contra Costa, Calif. 07/31/12

A pair of robbers, one of whom was armed with a gun and pretending to be disabled in a wheelchair, entered Tick Tock Jewelry in Westminster, Calif. and ordered the employees and customers to the ground. While in a back room, the store owner heard the commotion, retrieved a gun and went to confront the criminals. The store owner ordered the gun-toting criminal to drop his weapon several times, but when the robber refused, the store owner shot the criminal in the face, ending the robbery. Police have praised the actions of the store owner, with Sgt. Cameron Knauerhaze noting, “I would call what he did a very brave and heroic deed… He put himself in a position of danger to save his employees and customers. I think he did an outstanding job.” ***

July 30, 2012

Homeowner defends himself against naked intruder, The Milford Mirror, Milford, Conn. 07/23/12, The New Haven Register, New Haven, Conn. 07/27/12

A 67-year-old man was at his home in New Haven, Conn. when he heard a suspicious noise. The homeowner went to investigate, first spotting a screen that had been forced open, then a naked intruder. A struggle ensued, during which the homeowner was able to retreat to another floor and retrieve a handgun. The homeowner then went back to confront the criminal and ordered the man to leave. When the home invader refused, another altercation ensued, during which the homeowner shot the criminal in the chest. The home invader was taken to a local hospital where he is listed as in critical condition. ***

July 27, 2012

Homeowner kills home invader, The Herald, Everett, Wash. 07/25/12

A man was asleep in his Everett, Wash. home when he was awakened by the sound of breaking glass. The homeowner retrieved a .38-caliber revolver, went to investigate and discovered a man armed with a hammer climbing through a kitchen window. The homeowner shot and killed the home invader. Investigators made clear that they do not plan to charge the homeowner, with Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe explaining, “We are quite certain that a jury would conclude that the shooting was justifiable self-defense.” Police also noted that the deceased criminal was a suspect in a January burglary investigation. ***

July 20, 2012

Pizza delivery driver thwarts pair of robbers, WBNS, Columbus, Ohio 07-17-12

A driver for Padova’s Pizza in Columbus, Ohio was on a delivery when two men armed with shotguns attempted to rob him. At first, the driver, and Right-to-Carry permit holder, warned the criminals to leave. When the robbers persisted, the driver drew a gun and shot both criminals. The robbers fled the scene, but were captured a short time later when one of the criminals was found nearby with wounds to his head and chest. Rather than the hostility some pizza delivery drivers have faced from their employers after exercising their right to self-defense, the owner of Padova’s Pizza has had words of support for his driver, stating, “He is just too good of a person, and I have known him too long, and I hope he doesn’t have mental anguish over this.” ***

July 16, 2012

Career criminal shot by store owner, The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio 07/16/12

An armed criminal entered Abe & Son’s Corner Store in Cleveland, Ohio and attempted to rob the owner, Jamal Sulaiman. After Sulaiman retrieved a gun, he and the robber got into a scuffle. During the fracas, Sulaiman was shot once in the arm, but was able to shoot and kill his attacker. The store has been the target of armed criminals in the past; the last owner was killed in a 2008 robbery. The criminal who attempted to rob Sulaiman had recently been released from prison, after serving part of his sentence for a 2009 robbery that took place outside Abe & Son’s. In May the robber was released and sent to a halfway house to serve the remainder of his sentence; he escaped June 22. ***

July 11, 2012

Grandmother wounds home invader, WTSP, Tampa Bay, Fla. 07/10/12, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, Fla. 07/10/12

A grandmother was getting dressed at her home in Sarasota, Fla. when she heard a knock at the door. Unable to answer the door at that moment, the homeowner ignored the knock. A few minutes later an intruder wearing a bandana broke-in through a glass door in the back of the house. Seeing the home invader, the homeowner retrieved a .38-caliber handgun and fired twice at the criminal, causing him to flee. The police were able to locate the burglar after an anonymous tip led them to a nearby hospital where he sought treatment for a gunshot wound to his arm. A recording of the homeowner’s phone call to 911 reveals that she took no pleasure in her actions, as she told a dispatcher, “I’m so sorry. I would never hurt someone, but I was fearful of my life.” ***

July 10, 2012

Homeowner ends career criminal's crime spree, The Tulsa World, Tulsa, Okla. 07/05/12

A criminal in Tulsa, Okla. crashed a stolen tow truck into an occupied suv and fled the scene as police were on their way. The thief then broke into a nearby home, only to be confronted by an armed homeowner. The homeowner opened fire on the home invader, striking the burglar in both legs and incapacitating him until police could arrive. Police pieced together the two incidents and brought the criminal to a nearby hospital, where after release he will face charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, leaving the scene of an injury accident and first-degree burglary. This wasn’t the home invader’s first brush with law enforcement. An investigation revealed that the criminal has several prior convictions, which include grand larceny, possessing a stolen vehicle and pointing a gun.

July 6, 2012

Homeowner defends family, wounds intruder, KIDK, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 07/05/12

Vance T. Taylor was at home with his family in Idaho Falls, Idaho when the family dog alerted him to an intruder in the home’s bathroom. As his daughter called police, Taylor retrieved a gun and ordered the criminal to stay put. Disobeying the order, the home invader charged at Taylor, at which point Taylor opened fire, striking the criminal twice in the leg. The intruder fled the scene, but was captured a short time later at a nearby home. ***

July 3, 2012

Homeowner dodges hatchet, shoots intruder, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 06/27/12

A homeowner was upstairs in his Tacoma, Wash. house when he heard a suspicious noise and shouted to see if someone was downstairs. A man replied, identifying himself as a police officer, which lured the homeowner downstairs. Once downstairs, the homeowner was confronted by two home invaders, one of whom immediately threw a hatchet at him. The home invader missed, allowing the homeowner time to retrieve a shotgun and shoot one of the criminals. The burglars fled the scene, but the wounded intruder was captured when he sought medical attention at a local hospital. Criminals of the Pacific Northwest beware; the incident marked the second armed citizen shooting in Tacoma in just over a week. ***

June 28, 2012

Husband and wife protect family from armed intruder, The Oakland Tribune, Oakland, Calif. 05/25/12

A husband and wife were at home asleep with their three young children in their Santa Rosa, Calif. home when the family dogs alerted them to an intruder. The wife went to investigate and found a burglar outside dismantling a window screen in an attempt to get into the home. The wife alerted her husband, who retrieved a gun, confronted the criminal and detained him until police could arrive. When police took the burglar into custody they discovered he was carrying a 2-foot length of pipe, for which he was charged with being in possession of a dangerous weapon. ***

June 27, 2012

California permit holder thwarts armed robbery, The Vallejo Times-Herald, Vallejo, Calif. 06/25/12

A man entered a Subway restaurant in Vallejo, Calif., ordered a sandwich and then pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money. A 25-year-old concealed carry permit holder witnessed the robbery and confronted the criminal with his gun drawn. Not prepared for armed resistance, the robber fled the scene. ***

June 25, 2012

Resident fights off vicious dog, The Victoria Advocate, Victoria, Texas 06/23/12

Shortly after chaining her pet Chihuahua outside her home in Victoria, Texas, a woman noticed a stray pit bull attacking her pet. When the woman tried to intervene, the pit bull charged her, forcing her into the house. Once inside, the woman notified her son, who retrieved a shotgun and attempted to save the small dog. When the pit bull charged the son, he fired, killing the stray. The woman and her son were not harmed during the incident; however, the Chihuahua did not survive. ***

June 21, 2012

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, Wash. 06/20/12

A homeowner was at his house in Tacoma, Wash. when he spotted a burglar climbing through a window. After calling 911, the homeowner retrieved a shotgun and fired at the criminal, striking him in the face. The intruder fled the home, but collapsed in a nearby street. When authorities arrived, the criminal was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is expected to survive. In an interview with local media, Mark Fulghum of Tacoma Police was supportive of the homeowner’s actions, stating, “If you’re in fear for your safety or the safety of your family, friends or others, you have the right to protect yourself or protect them.” ***

June 20, 2012

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, Wash. 06/20/12

June 15, 2012

Store owner defends self and employee from violent felon, The Athens Banner-Herald, Athens, Ga. 06/10/12

The owner of the Classic Cash check-cashing business in Athens, Ga. was opening a side door to let an employee inside, when he saw a hooded man rush towards the door. The owner locked the door before the hooded man could get inside, retrieved a pistol and went to investigate. Upon opening the side door, the owner noticed the criminal go into one of the business' storage rooms. After warning the robber that he was armed, the owner saw the criminal come out of the storage area wielding a gun, at which point the owner opened fire. The gunman was struck twice, ending the attempted robbery. In an interview with local media Athens-Clarke Capt. Clarence Holeman described the shooting as a case of self-defense. An investigation revealed the robber to be a convicted felon and police suspect he may have been involved in another nearby robbery. ***

June 12, 2012

Coin store owner kills knife-wielding robber, The Ledger, Lakeland, Fla. 06/10/12, WTSP, Tampa Bay, Fla. 06/10/12, WTVT, Tampa Bay, Fla., 06/10/12

A man armed with a knife entered Justice Coins in New Port Richey, Fla. and stabbed owner Wayne Justice while attempting to rob the store. Despite his wounds, Justice was able to retrieve a firearm and shoot the attacker. The criminal fled, but collapsed just outside the store and later died after being taken to a local hospital. Pasco County Sheriff’s Office officials made clear that they do not expect Justice to face charges and indicated that the store owner is a Right-to-Carry permit holder. Law enforcement officials also noted that the deceased robber had been arrested for robbery in 2007, was on felony probation and had a warrant out for his arrest at the time of his death. ***

June 11, 2012

Pharmacist fights back, News10, Stockton, Calif. 06/07/12

An armed robber entered the Stockton Pharmacy in Stockton, Calif., demanded money from the pharmacist and then ordered the worker to the ground. The pharmacist responded by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminal, who immediately fled to a getaway vehicle. It wasn’t immediately clear if the criminal was struck by the gunfire, but a man with a gunshot wound was discovered by police in another part of Stockton a short time later. In an interview with local media, Stockton police Det. Joe Silva noted that the pharmacist’s actions were appropriate. ***

June 8, 2012

Mother protects sons from home invader, WINK, Fort Myers, Fla. 06/05/12

Michelle Horton was asleep in the North Port, Fla. home where she lives with her two sons, when she was awakened by the family dog. Horton got up to investigate and spotted a burglar inside the home. After retrieving a gun, Horton followed the criminal to the back yard, where she confronted the man and his waiting accomplice. One of the burglars ran upon seeing the gun, but the other refused to leave. Horton warned the intruder twice, before firing a shot that struck the criminal in the leg and caused him to flee. In an interview with local media, Horton had encouraging words for women seeking to exercise their right to self-defense, stating, “I know a lot of women say, ‘Oh no, I’m too scared to shoot him.’ But when you’re threatened, you won’t be so scared.” Horton also had a warning for the intruders should they try to come back, noting, “This time he won’t get wounded. This time will be for real.” ***

June 5, 2012

Clerk stops repeat offender, The Huntsville Times, Huntsville, Ala. 06/01/12

A clerk was alone inside the Atlantis Corner convenience store in Huntsville, Ala. when an armed criminal entered and demanded cash. The clerk responded by retrieving a gun and shooting the robber, who then fled the scene. The wounded criminal was captured by police a short time later, but died before reaching a hospital. Police suspect the criminal was involved in several other recent convenience store robberies. An investigation revealed the robber to have a 2005 conviction on a third-degree robbery charge for which he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. ***

May 30, 2012

Clerks prevail in battle with gunmen, KOVR, Sacramento, Calif. 05/25/12

Mangal and Kulbier Singh were tending to the Four Oaks Market convenience store in Del Paso, Calif. when two masked and armed men entered the store. One of the criminals grabbed Kulbier, put a gun to his head and dragged him down an aisle, while the other demanded money from Mangal. Mangal responded to the robbery by retrieving a revolver and firing it at his attacker, causing him to flee. At the same time, Kulbier fought off his attacker and wrested control of the gun away from him. The Singh brothers then held the remaining robber until police could arrive. ***

May 25, 2012

Owner defends barber shop from robbery, The Dothan Eagle, Dothan, Ala. 05/23/12

A pair of men entered the Creative Hair Masters barber shop in Enterprise, Ala. and asked the staff for haircuts. One of the men then drew a gun and ordered the owner of the shop to hand over cash and jewelry. The owner responded by retrieving a gun and shooting the armed criminal in the thigh, incapacitating the robber and causing his accomplice to flee. ***

May 23, 2012

Business owner holds burglars at gunpoint, KOKI, Tulsa Okla. 05/22/12

65-year-old Jerry Springer’s storage business in Tulsa, Okla. has been the target of at least a dozen burglaries since January 2012, when he underwent triple bypass surgery. So when Springer was alerted by a friend to yet another break-in at the facility, he grabbed a gun and went to investigate. When Springer arrived he spotted a pair of thieves pilfering cables and auto parts from one of the storage trailers. Springer confronted the criminals and held them at gunpoint until police could arrive. In an interview with local media, Springer made clear how upset he was with the thieves, stating, “I’ve earned what I got and I’m tired of people stealing it.” Springer went on to warn any would-be burglars, saying, “When they get in that yard I think it's second degree, that’s 2 to 4 years; if you get caught by me that may be an eternity.” ***

May 21, 2012

Marine defends family from crazed intruder, The Gaston Gazette, Gaston County, N.C. May 14, 2012

A Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune was at home with his family in Jacksonville, N.C., when a naked man, who was high on drugs, started walking up and down the street shouting that he was on a “bad trip.” After the family turned on a porch light, the naked man approached the Marine’s house and began demanding that the Marine and his wife let him inside. The Marine refused, locked the door, and retrieved a 1911 pistol. At first, the crazed man tried to knock down the front door, but he eventually moved on to a nearby screened window, which he punched out and dove through headfirst. The Marine responded by shooting and killing the home invader. After reviewing the case, District Attorney David Lee announced, “The occupants of the residence were justified in using deadly force against [the intruder] because the actions of [the intruder] caused the occupants to reasonably believe it necessary to use deadly force to protect their lives.” ***

May 16, 2012

Armed homeowner prevails when restraining order fails, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash. 05/15/12

Doug Snarski and his girlfriend, Christina Lewis, were in Snarski’s Spokane, Wash. home at around 12:30 a.m., when an intruder armed with a shotgun and handgun broke in. Snarski immediately knew who was responsible; several hours earlier he and Lewis had acquired a restraining order against Lewis’ ex-boyfriend following a string of threats. After retrieving a pistol, Snarski called 911, positioned himself at the top of the home’s staircase, warned the criminal that he was armed and ordered him to leave. The criminal refused, firing the shotgun and pistol up the stairs towards the couple. Snarski returned fire, mortally wounding the home invader. Neither Snarski or Lewis were injured during the attack. Local law enforcement officials have praised Snarski’s actions, with Deputy Craig Chamberlin of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office stating, “His quick thinking most definitely saved both him and his girlfriend’s lives… He handled it perfect, from getting a restraining order to maintaining composure in an extremely stressful situation.” In a media interview following the incident, Snarski shared some advice, remarking, “I believe everyone should have some kind of pistol for their own protection, for your own safety… If I didn’t think like that I wouldn’t be here right now.” ***

May 15, 2012

Camper fells rabid mountain lion, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Ariz. 05/09/12

A group of four campers were having breakfast in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, when a mountain lion came upon the camp and attacked one of the camper’s dogs. The campers rushed to the dog’s defense, with one hitting the lion over the head with a skillet until another camper could dispatch the animal with a pistol. Following the incident, the group notified the Arizona Game and Fish Department, who sent wildlife officials to bring the body to a lab for testing. Tests revealed the mountain lion to be rabid. ***

May 10, 2012

Elderly vet scares off intruder, WPXI, Pittsburgh, Pa. 05/08/12

84-year-old Korean War veteran Fred Ricciutti and his wife were at home in Elizabeth Township, Pa., when at around 4:30 a.m. a man armed with a screwdriver and stun gun broke in through a kitchen window. Upon hearing the intrusion, Ricciutti retrieved a Luger pistol he carried during the war and went to investigate. When he found the home invader, Ricciutti ordered the criminal to halt, but when the intruder turned, Ricciutti fired, grazing the man in the back of the neck and causing him to flee. A short time later police captured the burglar a few blocks from Ricciutti’s house. When asked by local media if the home invader had picked the wrong target, Ricciutti replied, “I think he probably might have.” ***

May 8, 2012

WFAA, Fort Worth, Texas 05/07/12

Pastor Anthony Jobe was at home in Fort Worth, Texas, when a man rang his doorbell and then attempted to break in through a side door. Upon discovering the criminal, Jobe retrieved a gun and fired at the intruder, striking him and causing him to flee. The criminal was captured a short time later when he sought medical attention for his wounds. The intruder’s injuries have been reported as non-life-threatening. When interviewed by local media, Jobe stated, “That’s unfortunate, shooting pastor, I know… I shoot more as a hobby and I like to go to the gun range, but this is unfortunate that this happened like this, but you have to do what you have to do to protect your family.” ***

May 3, 2012

The Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Ill. 05/02/12

An armed robber entered a jewelry store in Chicago, Ill. and began pilfering the shop while holding the owner, 66-year-old stroke victim George Layous, his wife and two young grandchildren at gunpoint. The robber showed no mercy, pushing Mr. Layous to the ground and taking a purse and necklace from Mr. Layous’ 4-year-old granddaughter. After rounding up what he wanted, the criminal attempted to erase the store’s surveillance video, giving Mr. Layous an opportunity to act. In Arabic, Mr. Layous told his wife to retrieve the .380-caliber pistol he keeps in the store. Once armed, Mr. Layous shot the criminal in the leg, incapacitating him and ending the robbery. Following the incident, Mr. Layous exhibited pity towards his aggressor, telling local media, “I am very, very sorry for him.” Mr. Layous’ son Joseph told an interviewer that he is trying to help his children understand what happened and is making sure to stress to them that “not all guns are bad.” ***

April 30, 2012

The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City, Utah 04/27/12, KTVX, Salt Lake City, Utah 04/27/12

A crazed man entered a Smith’s grocery store in Salt Lake City, Utah, purchased a knife, exited the store and began stabbing nearby customers while yelling “you killed my people.” The criminal viciously attacked two patrons before a man with a Right-to-Carry permit arrived on the scene, drew his gun and ordered the attacker to drop the knife. The criminal complied, which allowed other bystanders to subdue the attacker until police could arrive. Salt Lake City Police have hailed the armed citizen as a hero who likely saved lives, with Lt. Brian Purvis noting, “This was a volatile situation that could have gotten worse. We can only assume from what we saw it could have gotten worse. He was definitely in the right place at the right time.” An investigation revealed that the knife-wielding man has a lengthy criminal record with convictions for criminal trespass, attempted aggravated assault, attempted aggravated assault on a police officer and sexual battery and lewdness. The attacker’s latest stint in jail occurred less than a week before the rampage, after he was arrested for joyriding and possessing false identification. ***

April 24, 2012

The Telegraph, Macon, Ga. 04/23/12, WMAZ, Macon, Ga. 04/24/12

Shortly after dropping off her grandson at her daughter’s house in Macon, Ga., 57-year-old Lulu Campbell’s car was approached by two men, who ordered her to hand over money. Campbell pretended she had no money, but one of the criminals warned, “You don’t open the door, I’ll shoot you.” Refusing to open the door, Campbell replied, “You’re gonna kill me anyway no matter what.” The robber then fired through the window at Campbell, at which point Campbell retrieved a gun and returned fire, striking one of the criminals and causing both to flee. Police later captured the wounded robber, who is expected to survive his injuries. Campbell believes the pair followed her from one of the several convenience stores she owns and has made clear she is prepared to defend all of her stores, keeping at least one gun at each. In an interview with local media, Campbell told reporters “I always carry a gun, 24 hours, 7 days a week,” and went on to note that she owns more guns than she can count. ***

April 19, 2012

Noozhawk, Santa Barbara, Calif. 04/12/12

Shortly after 4 a.m., a Santa Barbara, Calif. homeowner heard a knock on his front door and a man outside it mumbling about money. The homeowner ordered the person to leave. Undeterred, the trespasser moved to another part of the home and attempted to break in through a set of glass doors. After retrieving an M-1 carbine, the homeowner fired a warning shot. When the criminal persisted, the homeowner fired again, striking the intruder in the leg. An investigation revealed that the would-be home invader had attempted to break into another nearby house before he met resistance from the resident. ***

April 17, 2012

KCPQ, Seattle, Wash. 04/11/12, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 04/11/12

A homeowner, who had been the victim of a burglary the day before, was at his house in Renton, Wash. when there was a knock at the door. Shortly after the knock, the homeowner heard someone inside the home, retrieved a gun and waited upstairs. When the home invader approached the homeowner’s position, the homeowner fired three times, causing the intruder to flee. When interviewed by local media, the homeowner had a message for would-be criminals, stating, “They need to watch out. They need to stop what they are doing. If they want to earn some money, find a job… They are playing with life or death for them.” ***

April 11, 2012

WSOC, Charlotte, N.C. 04/10/12, WCCB, Charlotte, N.C. 04/11/12, WCNC, Charlotte, N.C. 04/11/12

A man in Charlotte, N.C. was at home when he noticed a car pulling into his driveway and dropping someone off. The resident continued watching as the person who was dropped off went to the back of the house and attempted to kick in the door. After retrieving a firearm, the resident warned the attempted home invader that the house was occupied. When the criminal continued trying to break in, the homeowner fired a round through the door, striking and killing the would-be intruder. A short time after the incident, police captured the criminal’s getaway driver. She has been charged with attempted breaking and entering. The community has expressed support for the armed citizen, with neighbor Etta Nash stating, “You’ve gotta suffer the consequences because people are tired of people taking what they don’t work hard to get,” while neighbor Maynard Dutton added, “Can’t blame the guy… What would anybody do?” The District Attorney’s Office has made clear that there will be no charges filed against the resident. ***

April 9, 2012

WTVG, Toledo, Ohio 04/07/12

A homeowner in Toledo, Ohio was awakened by his wife at around 1 a.m. after she noticed someone turning the lights on and off in their bedroom. After retrieving a gun, the homeowner went to investigate, came upon a home invader and shot him. The criminal was struck twice and is recovering at a local hospital. The homeowner’s child was also in the house at the time of the incident. The armed citizen credits the child’s safety to the family emergency plan he and his wife prepared for just such situations, and encourages other families to take the time to prepare their own. ***

April 6, 2012

KOMO, Seattle, Wash. 04/04/12

A retired police officer was asleep in his Puyallup, Wash. home, when a group of four burglars, one armed with a crowbar, broke in. Upon becoming aware of the burglary, the homeowner retrieved a gun and fired on the criminals, causing them to flee. A short time later, police were contacted when a man showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. The wounded criminal did not survive, but police were able to track down his two accomplices that had dropped him off. A search of their vehicle uncovered stolen property, leading police to believe that the group is responsible for a string of burglaries. Police have been supportive of the homeowner’s use of force, with Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Detective Ed Troyer stating, “At this point, if people enter your house and they’re armed with a crowbar – if you’re out doing burglaries and doing that – there’s a strong chance you’re going to get shot. People are able to defend their lives and their homes.” ***

April 4, 2012

The Post-Standard, Syracuse, N.Y. 04/04/12

Owner Keidi Hindi was in a back room of the Court Street Express convenience store in Syracuse, N.Y., when an armed robber entered and demanded money from the clerk, Hindi’s son, Younis. After hearing a shout, Hindi retrieved a pistol and went to the front to the front of the store. Upon seeing the criminal, Hindi told him, “Get out and put the gun down. If you shoot my son I shoot you.” The criminal complied, fleeing the scene. Although Hindi has only owned the convenience store since March 1, this isn’t the first time he’s been forced to defend himself. Hindi previously owned a convenience store in Newark, N.J. where he and a clerk captured a would-be robber who is still serving time. ***

March 30, 2012

The Detroit News, Detroit, Mich. 03/29/12, The Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Mich. 03/29/12

75-year-old Willie White was at home with his wife in Detroit, Mich., when at around 1:30 a.m., he heard a suspicious noise at a side door. Already on alert from the day before, when someone broke his window and fence, White retrieved an SKS rifle and went to investigate. When a burglar burst through the side door, White fired, killing the intruder. A police investigation revealed that the home invader was armed and that he likely had two accomplices. White made clear to local media that he didn’t relish having to use force, stating, “I feared for my life. I don’t feel good at all. I wish there was some other way it could have been handled.” White’s son, Noel, showed support for his father, saying of his actions, “I think it will protect a lot of people. I think people will think twice before they start kicking in doors, breaking into houses, stealing cars, preying on old people. It doesn’t guarantee you’re going to make it out of the situation.” White also remarked on the support he’s received from the community, noting, “The neighbors all told me they were glad it happened.” ***

March 28, 2012

WTVT, Tampa Bay, Fla. 03/26/12, WTSP, Tampa Bay, Fla. 03/27/12

A frequent customer entered Baker’s Mini Mart in Tampa, Fla. and asked for change from owner Taquanda Baker. Baker made change for the man, who then left. About a half an hour later the man returned, armed with a gun, and attempted to rob the store. Baker responded by retrieving a gun and shooting the criminal, ending the robbery. When police arrived, the wounded robber was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. When speaking to local media, Baker described herself as “heartbroken” over the incident, but explained, “I have to protect myself.” Baker has also taken steps to protect herself while away from her store, as police confirmed she is a Right-to-Carry permit holder. ***

March 23, 2012

WPSD, Paducah, Ky. 03/19/12, The Tribune-Courier, Marshall County, Ky. 03/20/12

78-year-old Jack Thompson and his wife were at asleep in their Brewers, Ky. home when two burglars, at least one of whom was armed, kicked their door in. Upon hearing the burglars, Thompson retrieved a handgun he keeps by the bed and confronted one of the home invaders at the bedroom door. Thompson fired at the criminal three times, striking him once. But the wounded intruder was relentless and continued after Thompson, until Thompson retrieved a shotgun and shot the burglar in the shoulder, ending the incident. The injured intruder was airlifted to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery; his accomplice fled before police arrived. During an interview with local media, Thompson made clear that he intends to keep the pistol by his bed, but doesn’t think he’ll need it, stating, “I don't think he'll want what his friend got.” ***

March 20, 2012

The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill. 03/16/12

An armed robber entered the Hometown Pantry convenience store in Springfield, Ill. and demanded cash from the two clerks behind the counter. While the criminal was reaching over the counter, one of the clerks retrieved a handgun and fired it, causing the criminal to flee. An investigation revealed that the clerk has a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card as required by Illinois law. This isn’t the first time the employees of Hometown Pantry have been forced to defend themselves. In July of 2011 a similar incident occurred, where a clerk used a handgun to scare off a shotgun-toting robber. ***

March 19, 2012

The News Observer, Durham, N.C. 03/16/12

A burglar broke into the M&M Food & Beverage convenience store in Durham, N.C. while it was closed at around 2:20 a.m. An employee inside the store noticed the intrusion, retrieved a gun and shot the criminal in the leg. The burglar fled the scene, but was captured a few blocks away. The criminal faces charges of communicating threats, felony larceny and drug possession. Police have made clear that they do not plan to charge the store employee. ***

March 16, 2012

The Daily Herald, Roanoke Rapids, N.C. 03/13/12

After threatening to kill himself and his estranged girlfriend, a criminal went to his girlfriend’s home in Scotland Neck, N.C. and attempted to break in through a window. Upon noticing her estranged boyfriend, the girlfriend, who was at home with her one-year-old daughter, grabbed a rifle and ordered the home invader to leave. When the intruder attempted to take the firearm from the girlfriend, she fired, striking him in the arm and ending the home invasion. Once the attacker is released from the hospital he will face charges of assault, first-degree burglary and communicating threats. ***

March 14, 2012

New York Daily News, New York, N.Y. 03/13/12

Maintenance man Angelis Candido was working the graveyard shift at Met Foodmarket in Queens, N.Y. when an intruder attempted to break into the store by cutting a hole in the ceiling above the register. Upon discovering the burglar, Candido retrieved a shotgun and shot the criminal in the chest, killing him. Police have confirmed that the shotgun Candido used was registered to the business, as required by New York City law. An employee of a 24-hour deli across the street from the food market is familiar with the dangers of operating in that part of Queens, telling local media that he has been robbed twice in the past year. ***

March 9, 2012

The Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, N.M. 03/06/12, KOAT, Albuquerque, N.M. 03/07/12

An armed robber entered the Up In Smoke shop in Albuquerque, N.M., drew a gun and demanded cash and items from the people inside. A struggle over the gun ensued between the robber and the store’s clerk, which resulted in the gun firing and the criminal falling to the ground. As the robber was on the ground, the clerk retrieved a shotgun from behind the counter and ordered the criminal to drop his gun. The robber refused, at which point the clerk shot at him, causing the criminal to flee. An investigation of the scene revealed that the criminal lost the tip of his finger in the altercation. Police hope the recovered digit will be useful in tracking the suspect. ***

March 8, 2012

SCNow, Grand Strand, S.C. 03/06/12, WMBF, Grand Strand, S.C. 03/06/12

A clerk for the Food Shop convenience store in Conway, S.C. was walking to his vehicle after closing the store, when a criminal wearing a mask and latex gloves approached him with a gun and demanded money. Having been suspicious of a nearby car as he left the store, the clerk had a gun ready when the robber approached. The clerk shot the criminal several times, killing him and ending the robbery. The person driving the suspicious car, who had been the robber’s getaway driver and lookout, fled the scene following the shooting, but was captured by police a short time later. Police have indicated that the clerk will not face charges. ***

March 6, 2012

KFOR, Oklahoma City, Okla. 03/01/12

66-year-old Dianne Stracener was home alone in Oklahoma City, Okla. when she heard suspicious noises around her house. Stracener retrieved a gun, went to investigate and came upon an intruder inside the home. A physical struggle ensued, in which Stracener shot and killed the home invader. Police were supportive of Ms. Stracener’s actions, with Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow of the Oklahoma City police noting, “Obviously if she felt threatened, if she felt that she had the risk of some type of bodily harm or even death, she did have the right to defend herself there on the property.” Stracener’s neighbor James Arnette also showed his support, telling local media, “If it would have happened to me, I would’ve done the same thing… At that time, you want to do the best thing you can to stop something like that and that ‘Make My Day’ law, that’s what it’s all about.” ***

March 2, 2012

KKTV, Colorado Springs, Colo. March 1, 2012

A man acting erratically entered the reception area of a medical practice in Colorado Springs, Colo., drew a gun and ordered everyone to the ground. In another part of the building, Doctor Jeff Ferguson heard the criminal and the resulting commotion; describing the scene to local media, he said, “it was chaos… When you heard [the criminal’s] voice, I was expecting any second to hear shots ring out.” That’s when Ferguson, a Right-to-Carry permit holder, retrieved a gun and positioned himself between the intruder and 20 to 30 employees and patients, enabling them to safely exit the building. Recalling his actions, Ferguson noted, “I was absolutely prepared to shoot him.” Following Ferguson’s exit and the arrival of the police, the situation devolved in to a hostage standoff. Fortunately, police were able to eliminate the threat with no injury to the innocent. ***

February 29, 2012

The Monitor, McAllen, Texas, 02/27/12

71-year-old Carmen Polanco Perez was tending to the grocery store he owns in Hidalgo County, Texas when a pair of armed robbers entered the store and demanded cash. One of the robbers then shot Perez in the chest with a shotgun, prompting Perez to retrieve a .380-caliber handgun he keeps under the counter and return fire. The criminals fled once Perez started firing, but police believe that one of the robbers is a man who later showed up at a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. Perez was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries and has been released. ***

February 27, 2012

The San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, Calif. 02/22/12

90-year-old Jay Leone was at home in Greenbrae, Calif. when an armed man broke into his house and held a gun to his head. The criminal told Leone that there was a “contract out” on him and further explained that this was due to Leone being a collector of classic cars. As the criminal led Leone around the home at gunpoint, Leone told the gunman that he needed to use the restroom, which, after some convincing, the criminal allowed him to do. Once inside the bathroom, Leone retrieved a .38-caliber revolver he keeps hidden there and exchanged fire with the robber. During the gunfight Leone was struck once in the face while the burglar was hit three times in the abdomen. The altercation eventually devolved into a physical struggle, in which the criminal gained the upper hand, grabbed Leone’s revolver and tried to shoot him with it. The revolver was empty from the gunfight, prompting the wounded criminal to flee. Leone’s attacker was later captured while attempting to receive treatment for his wounds. Leone has recovered from the wound to his face and was well enough to testify against his assailant a few weeks later. ***

February 24, 2012

The Union Leader, Manchester, N.H. 02/22/12, 02/23/12

61-year-old Dennis Fleming was at his home in Farmington, N.H. when he noticed that some of his drawers and belongings had been rifled through. After retrieving a .38-caliber handgun, Fleming went to investigate and spotted a suspicious man with a backpack walking up the street. A short time later, Fleming heard a loud noise coming from his neighbor’s home and saw the same suspicious man crawling out of his neighbor’s window. Fleming confronted the criminal and fired a warning shot into the ground to get him to halt. The tactic worked and Fleming was able to detain the burglar until police could arrive. The criminal has since been charged with burglary and possession of Vicodin and has admitted to burglarizing several other homes in town. Unfortunately, instead of being hailed as a hero, the Strafford County Attorney’s Office recommended that Fleming be charged with felony reckless conduct for the warning shot, carrying a possible sentence of 3 ½ to 7 years. In the days following the incident Fleming received nationwide support and after further review of the case the County Attorney’s Office dropped the charges, with County Attorney Tom Velardi noting that “a charge under these circumstances would be unjust.” ***

February 17, 2012

NBC, 02/15/12

Rick Melartin was at home in Bellaire, Texas when he heard a neighbor scream for help as she was being robbed at gunpoint. Melartin called 911, retrieved a .50-caliber handgun and rushed to the scene. Upon spotting Melartin, the criminal fled into the yard of another of Melartin’s neighbors, a 89-year-old woman. Fearing for the safety of his elderly neighbor, Melartin followed the criminal and ordered him to stop. It was only when Melartin fired a warning shot into the ground that the robber complied. ***

February 14, 2012

WKYT, Lexington, Ky. 02/09/12

Bobby Lee and his two-year-old daughter Zoey were asleep in their Laurel County, Ky. home, when a trio of criminals broke into the house. One of the intruders made it into Lee’s bedroom, at which point Lee retrieved a gun, fired it, striking one of the burglars, and chased all three criminals from the home. The home invaders made it to their getaway SUV, but when it broke down Lee ordered all of them out of the vehicle and held them until police could arrive. Lee bought his firearm after a previous burglary and practiced with it several times in order to be prepared for just such a scenario. When interviewed by local media, Lee noted, “I’m happy I protected my family. That is something you can take pride in.” ***

February 9, 2012

KPHO, Phoenix, Ariz. 02/06/12

Laycee Lowe, a pregnant 17-year-old, was at home alone in Glendale, Ariz. when she noticed a prowler outside the home. After climbing a fence and peering into windows, the criminal attempted to get into the home through a do door. Lowe responded to the threat by retrieving a gun and firing it into the dog door, which caused the intruder to flee. Following the incident, Julio Lowe, Laycee’s father, praised his daughter’s actions, stating, “She’s just real brave and slick. She handled it real well.” Julio also noted that there had been a suspicious incident at his home involving a prowler a few days earlier, prompting him to teach his daughter how to properly use a firearm. ***

February 7, 2012

The San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, Calif. 02/02/12

The owner of Tacos El Mazatlan food truck in Oakland, Calif. was cleaning up the area around the truck when a pair of armed criminals approached and demanded money. At first the owner tried to flee, but one of the criminals fired at him, striking him in the back and leg. The owner then took cover, drew a gun and returned fire, wounding one criminal and causing both to retreat to a nearby getaway car. The pair, along with their getaway driver, was captured a short time later when the wounded robber sought medical attention. The owner of the truck began arming himself after a previous robbery attempt and keeps body armor in the truck as an added precaution. ***

February 6, 2012

NBC2, Los Angeles, Calif. 02/02/12

87-year-old Jack Goodwin was listening to a Lakers game on the radio in his home in Los Angeles, Calif. when he heard a suspicious noise. Goodwin retrieved a 9mm handgun he keeps by the bed, went to investigate and found a pair burglars attempting to break in. After the criminals smashed a window, Goodwin fired, striking one and causing both to flee. The wounded burglar did not get far; police found him in Goodwin’s backyard. The intruders picked the wrong house, as Goodwin is a World War II veteran who served on Okinawa. When interviewed by local media, Goodwin’s daughter Vernita described him as a “true soldier,” but hoped he would move out of the city. Goodwin has other ideas, stating, “I’m going to stay as long as I want to… When I leave it won’t be because they ran me away.” ***

January 31, 2012

WALA, Mobile, Ala. 01/31/12

Just as Eddie Richardson was parking in front of his home in Mobile, Ala. at around 4 a.m., a pair of armed criminals approached him and ordered him to “give it up.” Richardson responded by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminals, who returned fire. One robber was struck during the exchange before both fled on foot. Richardson was not harmed during the incident. When interviewed by local media, Richardson stated that he was just a working man, and “They was trying to rob me, and I didn’t go for that.” (WALA, Mobile, Ala. 01/31/12) ***

January 30, 2012

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas 01/27/12

After picking up her 16-year-old son from school a woman returned to her home in Fort Worth, Texas to find that a burglar had broken in. The woman retrieved a gun, confronted the criminal, and shot him once in the leg. The burglar fled the home, but was captured by police a few blocks away. When contacted by the local media for comment the woman simply noted that she was protecting her home. An investigation revealed that the intruder had at least one outstanding warrant. (The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas 01/27/12) ***

January 13, 2012

Central Florida News, Orlando, Fla. 01/12/12, WKMG, Orlando, Fla. 01/12/12

82-year-old Charles Robbins was asleep at home in Daytona Beach Florida, when a burglar wearing a mask and carrying a hammer and screw driver attempted to break in through the front... 

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