Posted on 02/13/2003 2:36:05 PM PST by ExSoldier
A Sizable Risk Pays Off For Target Of Stickup
He Keeps His Money By Facing Down An Armed Teen
February 13, 2003
By CHRISTINE DEMPSEY, Courant Staff Writer
MANCHESTER -- Staring down the barrel of a rifle Tuesday night, Richard Jarvis had three choices: hand over his cash, run - or risk taking a stand.
Jarvis took a stand.
As the cursing, 18-year-old robber demanded his money, Jarvis took out his wallet, looked at the $120 inside and said: "I ain't giving it to you."
Then Jarvis, 42, a target-shooter, grabbed the rifle and tried to remove its ammunition. "I just disarmed your gun," he said calmly.
The teenager, who had emerged from a nearby car with another person, pulled the gun away and swung the sawed-off .22-caliber rifle like a bat, said Jarvis. He bobbed and swayed in an attempt to avoid being hit, he said, but was hit a few times anyway.
As the robber tried again to get off a shot, Jarvis said, he gave him and his friend a warning.
He, too, had a gun.
Backing away toward his vehicle, the teenager again tried to pull the trigger, Jarvis said.
"I wasn't going to give him a second chance. That's when I pulled my piece and fired."
Bullets from Jarvis' .380-caliber Colt pistol shattered the windows of the Honda Passport his two assailants had come from. One struck the shoulder of a 14-year-old boy who was accompanying the gunman. The wound was minor, police said later.
Both young men bolted, but were quickly captured by Officers Aaron Calkins and Anthony Palombizio, who had responded to a report of shots fired in front of the Millbridge Hollow condominium on Prospect Street at about 11:15 p.m.
A third suspect, who Jarvis said was apparently inside a second vehicle, was apprehended later in New Britain, with help from that city's police force.
The older of the two suspects were identified by police as Pastor Guzman, 18, of 154 Malikowski Circle, New Britain, and Juan Gomez, 16, of 186 Malikowski Circle. They are scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court today.
The 14-year-old was not identified because of his age. He was transferred to a juvenile detention center.
Guzman, who police said was armed with the rifle, was charged with criminal attempt to commit first-degree robbery, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault, first-degree larceny by possession, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, risk of injury to a minor, possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and interfering with police said. He was held on $500,000 bail.
Gomez was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, third-degree larceny, third-degree burglary and risk of injury to a minor. He was held on $250,000 bail.
The 14-year-old was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.
Police said Jarvis had a valid permit for the handgun and would not be charged with any crime.
They also said they would never recommend that anyone try to resist an armed holdup. As one officer put it: "Comply, comply, comply."
Jarvis, bruised and cut but upbeat, sat on a couch in his Manchester home Wednesday and said he wasn't afraid when the gunman nearly thrust the rifle in his mouth.
"I had to look at him and evaluate my situation," said Jarvis, who is unemployed. "I said, `Dude, you picked the wrong guy.'"
"There is no possible way I am letting these punks take my wallet," he said. "My mother didn't raise me to be a sissy."
Despite some law enforcers' opinions that Jarvis' actions were risky and dangerous, Jarvis said he has no regrets. He'd do it again, he said.
"I'm not going to let these people ruin my life," he said. "They're just terrorists to me."
This is typical of the media and police responses today and part and parcel of the evil agenda pushed by all levels of liberal society and the educational establishment.
It frankly sickens me. I was darn proud of this gentleman. His actions uphold the highest traditions of Americanism in a troubled world. A lot of folks seem to hold the idea that just because some "GOBLIN" has the "drop" on you the game is up. I would disagree and this guy proves that. Never give up....do whatever it takes to win.
As Christians and/or people of good conscience we are called upon to resist evil wherever we find it by whatever means necessary and it is our right under the Constitution. When we begin to disregard that, our society begins to crumble as it is now doing. We must take back our streets from the scum that slithers through them.
The police are hamstrung by political brainwashing from the liberal educational establishment and this mind control clouds their judgment. When the police regard guns in any hands as intrinsically evil, the fabric of society begins to rip. In the immortal words of COL Jeff Cooper: "Blessed is he, who in the face of death, thinks only of the FRONT SIGHT."
They forgot to add the rest of the cop's statement, "Comply, comply, comply,... and we'll mosey on over to take the report/call the ambulance as soon as we finish our coffee and donuts!"
From your future Father in Law (step) I have a serious topic I need to discuss with you. So serious it kept me up all night the other night. I can't even talk to HER about it for a couple of reasons. In some cases she has a serious case of "OSTRICH" mentality. She refuses to think of things that could be negative or dangerous. She refuses sometimes to think of her own safety...believing, I think, that if she ignores it...the danger will just "go away."
Well, when she was living at home, that was fine...I was in charge of protecting "my little girl." Now...I can't DO that anymore. She is a grown woman and she has found the man of her dreams...and now somebody else in in charge of protecting "my little girl." YOU.
I have to depend on you...between us MEN, to protect her. With your own life if need be. Just as I would if the situation required it. Are you man enough to shoulder this responsibility? It's a rhetorical question, son. I KNOW YOU ARE.
We are in a de facto state of war. In fact, we are down points since blood has been spilled on our own soil. When this thing hits Iraq, the government seems to think it will be a foregone conclusion that we'll be hit again and BADLY. It could make 9-11 look like a walk in the park. We are all in a target zone. I hope it's Miami rather than Orlando. WE have been doing some planning and are ready to handle it as best we can. We feel better US than Y'all.
What I'm getting at is that like us...you have to make a SECURITY PLAN for the two of you. Have a place to meet....if possible, get to FAMILY who live in ____________ (we'll get you their info and yours to them). TRUST HIM he's tough and smart and streetwise. IF possible caravan with them to _______. Be sure to plan a route that does NOT make use of the interstate it could be clogged (watch that movie DEEP IMPACT). Get a GOOD map and then actually drive it as far as you can to make sure streets actually go where you want...make it a weekend adventure with HER.
NEXT both of you should pack a "BUG OUT BAG" with important items you'll need. Paperwork, like bank info. Clothes, camping food, and WATER. Enough for BOTH of you in each bag. Each of you should keep the bag in your own car. That way if you're forced to leave a car....you're still covered.
Speaking of being covered. IF the balloon goes up, the first thing to go will be government control and that means the cops will be out of the loop. The bad guys all know this. I saw it first hand after Hurricane Andrew. Before the winds had even slowed down the looters were pillaging. On those secondary roads may lurk the bad guys. They used to be called "HIGHWAY-MEN" and I think the term is still appropriate. They will almost certainly be armed. If you're not....you're DEAD. Their targets will be the vehicle, stuff and....HER. You'll be killed out of hand, regardless of whether you just give 'em what they want or not. SHE will be killed too...but not right away.
YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.
SHE has a .357 magnum and she knows how to use it. I have it here for her. I need to re-train her but she'll be fine. IF you want it I will lend you one of my 9mm semi auto handguns to assist you and I'll give you a fast "point and shoot" class. I recommend this for a couple of reasons. You don't want to force HER into that role. Her gun should cover your back....she should not be the primary line of defense. ALSO this should be a guy thing...not a gal thing. When the life of the person he loves is on the line for real...I would hope that he can be ruthless if need be. I'm not sure SHE could do that and I'd hate to find out the hard way.
PROTECT HER. THAT'S YOUR JOB! Are we clear on this?
I know that this stuff makes you nervous. You're just over 21 and you don't have a degree from the school of hard knocks, yet. But the state of the world will not allow for any tolerances or forgiveness if you make a mistake here.
WE are prepared to drive up there and deliver the stuff in a lockbox so your roomates need not worry but you should NOT inform them that you are armed. We will bring the guns, lockbox, spare speed-loaders for the .357 and spare magazines for the Beretta and LOTS of ammo for both weapons.
I realize this makes you nervous. That's okay. It's normal. BUT ACT.......and be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE.
This is an awesome responsibility and I don't offer it lightly. But these are....extraordinary times. Later on, I'll get you the paperwork for a real concealed weapons permit for both you and SHE. If it's an emergency I wouldn't worry about it. I'd say you need to get started on this stuff as soon as possible...time might be running out. Let us know about the guns and a trip. It's important.
No, it's more than important. It's life and death. Take care and get back to me. SOON.
I relayed a little story of local college student here that was murdered (shot in the head) after he complied with all the robbers instructions at a drive up teller machine.
The thread mysteriously stopped.
I'm hoping that if I instill enough responsibility in HIM....it will cause him to grow nerve endings outside his body, metaphorically speaking and make HIM just aware enough to spot trouble before it hits and either avoid it or deal with it decisively.
When and if the bullets start to fly, she'll watch HIS back because she loves him enough. Separately they might not be able to take care of themselves...but together I'm hoping they'll take care of each other...which is what God intended in the first place, right?
Good on you , Mr. Jarvis. Maybe this lesson will sink in to some stupid punks who were thinking of knocking over a conveninece store tonight. He may have prevented another incident like the one he had!
This is why young punks shouldn't carry a firearm for a robbery -- the victim is likely to just take it away and use it against them.
my wife will veto any suitor to our daughter's hand, that doesn't own more firearms than our daughter. He might be taught to shoot as well as she does, but he's gotta have the hardware first.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.