armed citizens protecting themselves

The Right to Free Speech
Will be Lost
Soon After
The Right to Defend Yourself
Is taken Away

Leaving us in the Position
Where only the Criminals
Will have Guns

 
 
Savannah Morning News, Savannah, GA, 08/25/05
  State: ga
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2005
  Following the burglary of her apartment, a Georgia woman refused to be victimized again. She purchased a firearm for protection, and it was not a moment too soon. Police say that a man began climbing into her bathroom window late one night, but she was able to fend him off with her gun by shooting him several times. He stumbled out of the apartment and forced his way into an occupied BMW. The driver later told police that the suspect said, "I need a ride to the hospital because I've been shot. Don't stop because I'm going to jail." Upon his release from the hospital, police planned to charge the alleged burglar, whom they also considered a suspect in the previous break-in at the woman's apartment.

 
Detroit Free Press, Detroit, MI, 09/13/05
  State: mi
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2005
  What sounded like an explosion outside a Michigan mans home set off a bizarre chain of events. According to police, when the homeowner looked out his window around 2 a.m., he saw that a Jeep had crashed into his garage. Armed with a handgun, he went outside and found a man trying to dislodge the vehicle. A yelling match ensued and the man drove off, but returned with his lights off. The homeowner, fearful that the driver was trying to hit him or run him over, hid ; behind a car, and the suspect accelerated and smashed into it twice. The homeowner then fired four shots at the Jeep, but his gun jammed, so he ran inside to retrieve another firearm while his wife and neighbors phoned police. When the homeowner returned, the driver of the Jeep accelerated toward him so he fired two more shots at the vehicle. The driver, whose vehicle was riddled with bullet holes, then left the subdivision and was apprehended by police.
Associated Press, 09/17/05
  State: id
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2005
  After an Idaho woman went outside her home to investigate a strange noise, she found a former co-worker hiding in the bushes. He told her his pickup truck had broken down and he needed a lift home. She reluctantly agreed and took a .380-caliber handgun with her. Police say that when they reached the co-worker's driveway, he began to assault her. "He grabbed her and physically attacked her and told her she was coming with him," said Sheriffs Capt. John Valdez. The woman drew her gun and shot the man in the abdomen, killing him. An autopsy of the assailant, who was a registered sex offender, showed he had a blood-alcohol content of .26 percent. Investigators say his truck was later found near the woman's home, and it appeared that its engine was intentionally disabled.
The Commerical Dispatch, Columbus, MS, 07/18/05
  State: ms
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2005
  Billy Franks awoke from a deep sleep to find two armed men demanding cash and threatening to beat his 67-year-old wife, Sherry, with a baseball bat. The intruders then made good on their threat, bruising Sherry's arm and breaking Billy's arm in two places. That's when Sherry remembered the .22-cal. revolver her 70-year-old husband kept tucked under his pillow. "When she picked up the gun and pointed it [at the would-be robbers], they panicked and started running," Billy said. Sheriff's Department Captain Joe Young lauded the couple's handling of the situation. "People try to prey on senior citizens because they think they're easier to mess with, but this couple showed that's not always true," he said, adding, "I think it's a good idea for people to keep a handgun in their homes, just in case something like this happens."
 
The Olympian, Olympia, WA, 08/10/05
  State: wa
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2005
  It was about 4 a.m., and Chuck Estes was on his way to work when he noticed that someone had stolen his wife's car stereo and speakers. As he headed down the street, he saw two suspicious males climbing into a car loaded with electronics. While he investigated, one suspect bolted from the scene. Estes pointed a flashlight and a .44 Magnum handgun at the second suspect, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and ordered him to put his hands on the dashboard. "I made it very clear [to him] to stay in the car," said Estes, who has a concealed-carry permit. He called 9-1-1 and holstered his firearm after determining that the suspect didn't pose a threat. "Hopefully that's the last time I'll have to pull [my gun] out of the holster," Estes said. "I want to be very clear that I choose to carry a pistol for personal protection and not to go out and stop thugs and not to be a vigilante." Authorities tracked a driver's license found on the scene to the suspect who fled, and both alleged thieves have been arrested. "In all honesty, if [Estes] hadn't taken some action, we'd probably be sitting here today with several thousands of dollars in stolen property," Chief Criminal Deputy Dan Kimball said.
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 07/20/05
  State: LA
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2005
  When a young man showed up at Breaux's Jewelers in New Orleans dressed as an old lady-complete with a walker, purse, gray wig and tan dress-the ruse was good enough to get him buzzed inside. But storeowner Mike Breaux quickly saw through the disguise and drew his handgun just as police say the suspect started to pull a handgun out of his purse and leap over the counter. Breaux fired, striking and incapacitating the would-be robber. From outside, a second suspect fired several shots through the glass front door as Breaux and one of his employees, who had picked up the first suspect's gun, returned fire. Breaux was grazed by a bullet before the wounded man fled with yet another accomplice. The second suspect turned up at a hospital later with gunshot wounds to his neck, back and arm. The first suspect was taken from the store by ambulance. Both men were listed in critical condition.
Florida Today, Melbourne, FL, 06/19/05
  State: FL
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2005
  Christine Peacock was pulling through a fast-food drive-through when a man ordered her to stop and hand over her belongings. Because she was in her boyfriend's car, the normally unarmed Peacock had a gun handy. When she drew it, the mere sight of the firearm caused the would-be robber to flee the scene. It was a scary incident that completely changed Peacock's opinion of concealed carry. "I didn't believe that everybody should carry a gun at all times; I thought it was too overprotective," she said. "[Now] I plan on enrolling in a concealed weapons permit class, and purchasing my own gun [to have] with me at all times."
Sequin Gazette Enterprise, Sequin, TX, 06/12/05
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 9/1/2005
  Jennifer Cooper had never fired a gun before, but when an intruder invaded her home as her two sons slept peacefully, she knew she had to take action. At 10:40 p.m., she heard the chime of her front door sound. Cooper had not set the home alarm system because her husband, Gary, was in San Antonio at a Spurs basketball game, and she was awaiting his return. "I could hear footsteps," she said. When she called her husband's name and no one answered, she ran into the master bedroom -- where she had left her children -- and locked the door. Seconds later, Cooper heard someone twisting the doorknob. There was no phone in the bedroom, so she was unable to call the police. Cooper and her children spent the next two hours in fear, hoping whoever was on the other side of the door would leave. She yelled through the door that the house was alarmed and that the police were on their way, but the intruder turned on all the lights and the television and periodically twisted the doorknob. "We talked and we prayed a lot," she said. Then she retrieved a .357 Mag. from the closet. When she thought she heard the lock being picked, Cooper pointed the gun at the door and fired. All went quiet, and footsteps and the door chime signaled the stranger's exit. When Gary Cooper returned home he found his family huddled together, a smoking gun in his wife's hand and a bullet hole in his bedroom door. Jennifer Cooper has vowed to never become a victim. "I'm going to start taking classes," she said. "My husband said it's the first thing on the agenda."
Montgomery Advertiser, Montgomery, AL, 04/19/05
  State: AL
  American Rifleman Issue: 7/1/2005
  A 66-year-old Montgomery, Ala., man and his handgun prevented a would-be robber from making off with a bank bag belonging to a church. The victim had arrived at a bank on a Monday morning, ready to deposit funds from his congregation, when he was approached by a man who forced him to the ground and took the money. However, the church courier stood up, drew his gun and fired a shot that foiled the crime. His attacker initially fell to the ground and subsequently fled, but dropped the bank bag in the process. All the money inside was recovered. Police said later it was uncertain if the suspect had been struck by the shot, or if he had simply fallen.
The Tampa Tribune, Tampa, FL, 04/16/05
  State: FL
  American Rifleman Issue: 7/1/2005
  The hooded armed robber likely thought the older, female clerk would be an easy mark as he entered a Tampa convenience store, brandishing his gun and demanding money. He wasn't counting on confronting someone like Janet Grammer. The 64-year-old mother of 10, a former security guard, pulled her own gun from under the cash register and fired, hitting the criminal in the chest. "I think he thought I was an old woman and would just give him the money," Grammer said after the incident. "I think I scared the hell out of him. I thought he was getting ready to shoot me in the head. My life was at stake." Grammer, who also has 32 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, later said she worried that she had killed the hospitalized assailant. "It was very upsetting. The good Lord had to be with me," she said.

 

 

 
The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, CA, 03/26/05
  State: CA
  American Rifleman Issue: 6/1/2005
  "This is a robbery!" someone hollered. Colton, Calif., liquor store owner Dan Lee grabbed for a pistol that was beneath the cash register, but in an instant he found himself staring down the barrel of a robber's gun. At the same time, he noticed another man climbing over the counter toward his mother. Lee grabbed his gun and shot them both. "He pretty much made the decision for me when he came over the counter at my mother and threatened her life," Lee said. After three recent robberies and three slayings of business owners and clerks in the San Bernardino Valley, Lee recommends that people in high-risk businesses consider what they will do in the event of a worst-case scenario.
The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC, 02/26/05
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 6/1/2005
  The attempted holdup of a Charlotte area shoe store was foiled when a store employee returned fire against robbers who had begun shooting inside the store. According to witnesses, three or four men wearing ski masks and carrying guns entered the store, announcing, "This is a robbery." One of the thieves began searching store patrons and, shortly thereafter, the men began shooting. However, a store clerk quickly grabbed a gun of his own and fired back, striking at least two of the crooks. One crumpled in a doorway and later died at the hospital. Another man, whom police suspect was involved in the robbery, arrived at an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Neither the clerk nor any store employees or customers were injured. "The [clerk] did a good job. He saved us. He saved my kid. He saved our lives," said store customer Ramon Lopez.
The Augusta Chronicle, Augusta, GA, 01/25/05
  State: GA
  American Rifleman Issue: 6/1/2005
  Shoats Grocery & Package is a small store where neighbors often stop for breakfast or lunch, but owners Bobby and Gloria Doster said two strangers who entered their business had more nefarious intentions. Gloria Doster was rearranging boxes by the front door when a wigged man came through it; behind him, another masked man announced they were robbing the store. One intruder grabbed her and pushed her toward the register, while the other kept his gun on her 62-year-old husband. As Gloria tried to open the register, the assailant told her she wasn't moving fast enough and shot at her husband. Not only did he miss, but his gun jammed. Bobby Doster then retrieved a .380-caliber handgun and shot one of the men while his wife drew a 9mm pistol she keeps near the register. They both opened fire on the other robber. "I was trying to shoot and dial 911 at the same time," Gloria Doster said. Police arrived about five minutes after her call and took the men to the hospital, where both died soon after.
Florida Today, Jacksonville, FL, 03/20/2005
  State: FL
  American Rifleman Issue: 6/1/2005
  A Jacksonville, Fla., cabbie was dropping off two passengers when a robber with a gun burst onto the scene. The cab driver halted the attack by shooting the culprit in the chest. Police said the criminal, who died at the scene, had been hiding in the bushes and made his move as the passengers were exiting the car.
The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 02/06/05
  State: LA
  American Rifleman Issue: 5/1/2005
  For the second time in four days, a New Orleans, La., armed citizen turned the tables on would-be robbers. In this instance, according to authorities, two teenage brothers, Micah and Darius Adams, approached an unidentified man who was returning to his car late one night. Just as the man reached his car, Micah Adams drew a gun and demanded money. The man produced his own firearm and fired at Adams, hitting him several times in the torso. Although he tried to escape, Micah Adams was later found dead on a nearby street. Darius Adams was subsequently apprehended by police and was facing murder charges since he was accused of helping to commit a felony that resulted in a death.
Dayton Daily News, Dayton, OH, 01/15/05
  State: OH
  American Rifleman Issue: 5/1/2005
  Thanks to the quick thinking of a sub shop owner in Dayton, Ohio, a robbery attempt was quickly thwarted. The manager and his wife were working the morning shift when they spotted a man with a mask and sunglasses heading toward the store with a gun in hand. The owner triggered the security system and retrieved his gun. One employee described what happened next: "[The suspect] got up on the counter. I was scared. I just dropped to the floor." The robber, however, who was pointing his gun at the manager, did not even have time to speak because the manager pointed his gun and shot him in the arm. He fled and was later apprehended at his sister's house. He was expected to be charged with aggravated robbery.
Press-Telegram, Los Angeles, CA, 01/22/05
  State: CA
  American Rifleman Issue: 5/1/2005
  A 24-year-old Long Beach, Calif., resident was sitting in his car at a fastfood restaurant when an armed man forced his way into the car. The carjacker, later identified as Maurice Adams, ordered the victim at gunpoint to drive to another neighborhood and then robbed him. While Adams was rooting through the trunk looking for more items, the victim grabbed his own gun, which was concealed in the glove compartment, and began to run. Adams opened fire on the victim, striking him; in turn, Adams was shot multiple times by the victim. Adams died shortly after arriving at the hospital. The victim, whose name was withheld for his own protection, was said to be recovering from his wounds.
2theadvocate.com, Baton Rouge, LA, 02/17/05
  State: LA
  American Rifleman Issue: 5/1/2005
  Georgia Belle Sullivan of Clinton, La., will never know if her former employee, Arthur Sanford, came back for money, revenge or both. Sullivan was up late watching television when she heard a noise that caused her two dogs to start barking wildly. She took her pistol and went to investigate, but before she fully realized what was happening a shadowy figure lunged at her. Although she fired at the intruder, he kept coming and the two struggled for the gun. Sullivan said, "He beat me with his fists. He was trying to get the gun out of my hand, but he never did." Sanford continued to attack, saying that he wanted money, until his grip finally loosened and he died on the spot from the gunshot wound to his chest. Sanford had worked on Sullivan's cattle farm for years, but had been fired three years earlier because of suspected drug use. Sanford also had a history of arrests for armed robbery.
The Telegraph, Nashua, NH, 01/19/05
  State: NH
  American Rifleman Issue: 4/1/2005
  A Hollis, N.H., man was awakened one night to the sounds of screaming in his back yard. The homeowner, Donald Narkis, grabbed his gun and headed downstairs when he heard glass breaking in the kitchen. Narkis fired in the direction of the intruder, who, undeterred, continued to advance as he screamed and smashed furniture. Together with his armed daughter, Narkis ordered the intruder onto the floor, but the man wouldn't stay down. Narkis fired again, but the shot hit next to the intruder's leg. When police arrived on the scene, the intruder, identified as Peter Camplin, complained, "that psycho tried to shoot me." Camplin, who had moved into the neighborhood only months previously, was found to have a significant amount of cocaine and alcohol in his system.
The Dickenson Star, Clintwood, VA, 12/22/04
  State: VA
  American Rifleman Issue: 4/1/2005
  As Clyde Colley looked down at the gunshot wound in his leg and then up at his wife, he decided that if he did not do something, they would both die. Almost two hours earlier, two men had broken into their Sandlick, Va., home, shot Mr. Colley and ordered the elderly couple to get on the floor. As one of the intruders held the couple at gunpoint, the other ransacked the house. Finally, Colley said that he was not feeling well and needed to go to lie down. This excuse gave him enough time to get to his gun, which he fired twice, killing one intruder and sending the other fleeing into the night. As their phone lines had been cut, Mrs. Colley was forced to run down the driveway and flag down help. Police later apprehended the surviving intruder, Mazel Sexton, and charged him with numerous felony counts. Colley was not expected to be charged in the death of the intruder, who was identified as Hubert Howard, Jr.

 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta, GA, 01/26/05
  State: GA
  American Rifleman Issue: 4/1/2005
  Gloria Turner remembers firing with one hand and dialing 911 with the other. Turner and her husband, Bobby Doster, had owned their grocery store for eight years and, although they were prepared for the worst, they did not expect it. But one evening, while the Turners were stocking their shelves, two teens walked in and demanded money. Turner recounts, "I was about to give it to them when the first guy said, 'You're not moving fast enough' and pulls out a gun." The robber aimed at Doster and fired, missing him. When their attackers' gun jammed, the couple had enough time to retreat behind the counter and grab their own guns. A gun battle erupted in the store. When it was over, both robbers were dead. Sheriff Mike Smith said that the store owners would not be charged, adding that, "People have a right to protect their lives and their property."
Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, AZ, 01/22/05
  State: AZ
  American Rifleman Issue: 4/1/2005
  Richie Chapman of Bowie, Ariz., did not know that in exercising his right to protect his property, he was also aiding in bringing a murderer to justice. Chapman was working at a Bowie RV store when a man entered and demanded all the money in the cash register. The man then pulled out a gun, prompting Chapman to draw his own gun and fire, hitting the robber. "If he had gotten a shot off, I would have been dead," said Chapman. The robber fled and was later apprehended at a local hospital. The man turned out to be Johnny Lee Williams, who was being sought in the kidnapping and murder of an east Texas Wal-Mart employee, Megan Holden. After being treated at the hospital, Williams was turned over to the FBI.
The News Journal, Wilmington, DE, 12/13/04
  State: DE
  American Rifleman Issue: 3/1/2005
  A string of armed robberies finally came to an end in Wilmington, Del., when one victim fought back. Michael Brown had been on a three-month robbery spree when he decided to rob a local liquor store. When he displayed his gun, the store owner produced a gun of his own. Brown fled, but a police officer who was patrolling the neighborhood spotted him. He was able to track down Brown, who was found hiding under a porch. Brown was linked to at least three other armed robbery attempts and was charged with each of them.
Daily News Express, Monroe County, TN, 12/12/04
  State: TN
  American Rifleman Issue: 3/1/2005
  William Tyler had lived alone for many years in his small house at the end of Knob Road in Monroe County, Tenn., and this was not the first time his home had been burglarized. But one night, the phone lines were cut and the shadowy figure outside his house was undeterred by Tyler's warning. Tyler had no choice but to wait up all night with his gun in hand. At day-light, he made his way to a local grocer to call a friend, who agreed to meet him back at Tyler's house. Upon returning to his house alone, Tyler found a hatchet-wielding intruder in his home, who began to attack. Tyler endured several blows to the head before he was able to escape, retrieve his gun and fire a shot. Despite this, the intruder kept coming, and it was only then that Tyler shot him. The intruder died at the scene. "It appears to have all the ingredients of a self-defense case," said Det. Sgt. Mike Morgan.
Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville, NC, 11/30/04
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 3/1/2005
  A Lake Waccamaw, N.C., store manager was stocking his shelves 15 minutes before closing time when an armed robber burst into the store and fired a shot. He then ordered the manager and other employees into the back room. One employee, however, "just sort of froze," and the robber went to grab her. This gave the manager a chance to retrieve his own gun, which he fired, hitting the robber at least twice. The slain gunman was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities believe that he was behind at least one other armed robbery in the area.
The Herald, Pembroke Pines, NC, 10/19/04
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 3/1/2005
  "He didn't know my wife was a pit bull in a skirt," said John Moss, whose wife was accosted as she was getting out of her car. Felicia Moss of Pembroke Pines, N.C., was coming home to her apartment complex one afternoon when a man with a gun walked up to her and demanded money. Moss instead pulled out her pistol and a struggle ensued. Moss then shot the thief, who fled on foot, leaving behind a stolen vehicle. Shortly thereafter, a man fitting the same description approached another woman, demanded her keys and sped off. No one has been apprehended in either incident.
Journal-Star, Toluca, IL, 10/27/04
  State: IL
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  I've got a gun, don't come any farther," shouted Toluca, Ill., homeowner Brad Burns. But the warnings went unheeded and Burns fired, killing the intruder who was later identified as Douglas Sullivan.The incident began that night at 2 a.m., when Sullivan began shouting and swearing outside the home loudly enough to wake the neighbors. Sullivan then used a playground slide to smash a window and enter the house. Burns sent his wife and child into a closet while he retrieved his gun. He tried to scare off the intruder, but to no avail. Marshall County State Attorney Paul Bauer declared the shooting justifiable, saying, "There is no doubt in my mind that they were in fear of their lives."
News-Observer, Raleigh, NC, 10/20/04
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  Jewelry store owner Larry Dickerson was working in his Raleigh, N.C., store when he noticed that the three men who had come inside were acting suspiciously. Dickerson was making sure that his gun was handy when he noticed one man had taken a gun out of his pocket. "When he wheeled around, I hit the floor. He fired three shots at me," said Dickerson. A retired police officer, Dickerson, who never fired a shot in more than 20 years of duty, returned fire. No one was injured in the exchange. The three men then fled the store and have not been apprehended. "You have to have a gun," Dickerson said. "If I didn't have it, I'd be dead."
Pahrump Valley Times, Pahrump Valley, NV, 10/20/04
  State: NV
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  Nevada resident Dan Simmons was awakened early one morning by his houseguest who warned him that someone was trying to break into the house. The police were called, but no one was found. Shortly after the police left, a man approached the front door telling Simmons to come outside; he instead retrieved his gun. A moment later the glass in his front door shattered and the intruder made his way inside. Simmons fired, hitting the intruder, who in turn fled. Simmons said he believed the man may have at one time worked construction at his home. "I don't feel safe. I am taking precautions," Simmons later said of the incident, adding, "I advise everyone else in town to do the same."
Central Maine News, Eliot, ME, 11/05/04
  State: ME
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  In the dark of the night, an Eliot, Maine, homeowner was awakened to the sounds of pounding and screaming at his front door. David Oeser went to the entrance to find a 6-ft., 2-in., 330-lb. man breaking down his door. Oeser then fled to his bedroom but was followed by the intruder, who continued to scream incoherently. Oeser grabbed his gun and yelled several times, "Stop or I will shoot," but the man kept coming. Oeser fired, hitting him once. The man was apprehended at the scene. Police later revealed that less than 24 hours earlier, the intruder had been arrested and given a psychiatric exam after an unprovoked attack on a man in a local restaurant.

 

Times Daily, Florence, AL, 11/04/04
  State: AL
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  A man came looking for some easy money from what he thought was an easy target, but left empty-handed. The clerk at the convenience store in Colbert Heights, Ala., recounts that he arrived for work at 5:20 a.m. and noticed someone in a car outside. Shortly thereafter, the man in the car entered the store and got a drink from the cooler. When he approached the counter, he produced a large knife and demanded all the money in the cash register. The clerk, in return, produced his gun and asked, "Do you want this or the money?" The robber fled the store, but was later apprehended and charged with first-degree robbery.
Savannah Morning News, Savannah, GA, 10/30/04
  State: GA
  American Rifleman Issue: 2/1/2005
  Eighty-year-old Lonnie Morgan was just trying to be of help when he showed a stranger to his garage to get a tool to fix his broken-down car. When they got to the garage, the intruder hit Morgan over the head with a barbell, knocking him unconscious. When Morgan regained consciousness, he returned to the house only to find the intruder attacking his wife with a lamp. Morgan offered to get money for the man, but instead retrieved his gun and shot the intruder once. Police charged the intruder with aggravated assault and battery. The Morgans were both listed in fair condition at a local hospital.
The Daily Times, Rio Rancho, NM 10/13/04
  State: NM
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  When you are a judge, angry defendants come with the territory, but Judge Calvin Shields never expected he could lose his life over it. Shields was letting his dogs out late one evening when he saw a man looking into his house. He grabbed his gun and went outside to trigger the motion detector light. At that moment, Michael Tinervia opened fire on Shields who returned fire, fatally wounding Tinervia. Shields was only grazed in the knee. It was later discovered that Tinervia had been found guilty of reckless driving and interfering with a police officer in Shields' court and was awaiting sentencing by Shields. According to Shields' wife, Tinervia had called the house at 6:30 p.m. that night and asked for Calvin. When the judge answered, there was no one on the line. "It was to check if Calvin was home," she said, adding, "I had a bad feeling about it."
Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL, 10/13/04
  State: AL
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  An unwitting Shelby County, Ala., homeowner unknowingly helped in the capture of four inmates who had escaped from a Georgia prison. When the citizen arrived home early one morning, he found four men attempting to rob his house. The homeowner retrieved his gun and fired, hitting one in the face. The men fled but dropped off their injured conspirator at a nearby store so that he could get medical attention. Shortly thereafter, the three other men were apprehended in the area without incident. The homeowner was not charged, according to the local district attorney, because, "If we as a society ever get to the point where people are not entitled to defend themselves in their own home, then the law has totally lost its perspective."
The Times-Union Sampler, Jacksonville, FL, 10/14/04
  State: FL
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  A Jacksonville, Fla., man got the surprise of his life after he came home to find a knife-wielding teenage girl inside demanding his car keys. When the girl headed to another room to retrieve the keys, the homeowner, Richard Clark, ran to retrieve his gun. Moments later the two faced off in the house, and the teen charged at Clark with the knife. Clark shot once, hitting the teen in the face. She was charged with aggravated battery and armed burglary.
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, MI, 09/30/04
  State: MI
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  Muskegon, Mich., store owner Michael Moore was working late one night in his office when he heard strange noises that he thought were probably animals. But when he heard the doorknob jiggle, he retrieved his gun and went to investigate. Seeing an armed man jump over the counter, Moore demanded that the intruder freeze. When he did not, Moore fired once, hitting the intruder in the shoulder. Moore immediately called 911 and waited for police and an ambulance to arrive.
Houston Chronicle, Houston, TX, 12/21/04
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  Woken up at 1:30 a.m., a 79-year-old man discovered a burglar in his Aldine, Tex., home. His first response was to ask the intruder to leave. After repeated requests were refused, the homeowner retrieved a gun and shot the intruder once, fatally wounding him.
Houston Chronicle, Houston, TX, 01/05/05
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 1/1/2005
  Early one morning, three men forced their way into a Houston, Tex., house and opened fire on the family. The husband raced to the bedroom, retrieved his own gun, and returned fire. One of the intruders was critically wounded, and the other two fled the scene.
Boston Globe, Boston, Mass., 12/8/04
  State: MA
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  Three robberies had occurred in the last six months at Fred's Gas Auto Service in Medford, Mass. When the clerk on duty recently was confronted by two masked men, one waving a gun, he drew the pistol he was licensed to carry and fired. One robber was seriously injured, and the other fled the scene. "It looked like self-defense," said Lieutenant Paul Covino.
Goldsboro News-Argus, Goldsboro, N.C., 12/7/04
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  Michael Strickland was taking care of some business matters in his home near Whiteville, N.C., when two men entered. One of them pulled a gun and demanded a receipt for nine months' rent, threatening to kill Strickland and his wife if he did not hand it over. Strickland feigned compliance, but reached for his .38 Spl. revolver, fired, and killed the armed man. The accomplice fled. The fatally wounded gunman was found to have a lengthy criminal record.

 

The Garden Island, Kauai, HI, 12/9/04
  State: HI
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  When some dogs on the loose attacked a horse in Kalihiwai, Hawaii, its owners tried to help the animal escape by opening the gate. However, that led to more dogs entering and attacking the horse. A passerby stopped his car, retrieved a shotgun, and then shot one of the dogs, forcing the rest to flee. "Thank God, the guy came with the gun," said horse owner Doug Gilette.
The Modesto Bee, Modesto, CA, 08/07/04
  State: CA
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  Candy Mitchell of Waterford, California, started losing sleep after she learned that her ex-boyfriend was released from jail. He had served only two months of a six-month sentence for physically abusing her, so it did not seem like a coincidence when, night after night, she heard strange noises in her back yard and banging on her bedroom walls. Despite repeated calls to the police, no prowler was ever found. But the night Mitchell heard someone enter her home, she grabbed the gun she kept next to her bed and, when she saw a man heading for her daughter's room, fired several times. Her ex-boyfriend, John 'Bud' Russell, stumbled outside. When police arrived, they found Russell dead in his truck. Mitchell later said, "I could not imagine any reason he'd be in my house but to kill me."
The Star Press, Muncie, IN, 08/27/04
  State: IN
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  They would go in, shoot the owner, grab some guns and cash, and get out. That was the plan that went awry when four men attempted to rob a Muncie, Indiana, pawnshop. Instead, when they entered the store and attempted to shoot the owner, he drew his own gun and fired, hitting Dustin Fredericksen in the stomach. More shots were fired before the four men ran out of the store, leaving pawnshop owner Adam Kennedy unharmed. The men drove around for 90 minutes before leaving Fredericksen with another friend who finally took him to an emergency room. Fredericksen, along with Kevin Banach and Justin Corsey, were taken into custody and charged initially with attempted armed robbery. At press time, the fourth accomplice was still sought by police.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, MO, 08/04/04
  State: MO
  American Rifleman Issue: 12/1/2004
  Early one morning, a Sunset Hills, Missouri, man heard a knock at his back door. Deciding to err on the side of caution, he retrieved his handgun and carefully opened his door to a stranger who asked for gasoline. Before the homeowner could respond, the stranger forced his way into the house, where a struggle ensued. When the intruder shocked the homeowner with an electric stun gun, the homeowner responded by firing one shot at the intruder, who ran out of the house and made it about 200 yards before falling dead. At press time, police were trying to identify the man who appeared to be in his 20s, but who had no ID. In addition, no car was found in the area. The homeowner, whose name was not released, was not seriously hurt in the incident.
Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, MI, 07/07/04
  State: MI
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Around the Grand Rapids, Michigan, neighborhood, corner store owner Leon Moody is wellknown for his generosity, which is why it came as a shock that someone would try to rob him. According to Moody, the suspect walked into the store, pointed a gun at his face, and demanded money. When Moody asked why he would do this, the robber threatened to "blow his head off for that money." Asking for a moment to gather the money, Moody reached down and pulled out his own firearm, then fired twice at the crook, hitting him once in the arm. The robber fled in a car, but -- was apprehended less than an hour later in the local emergency room. The unnamed suspect has been charged with assault with intent to rob while armed, and felony possession of a firearm.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, VA, 07/23/04
  State: VA
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  A Pittsylvania, Virginia, homeowner awoke at 2 a.m. to the sounds of a car driving into his front porch. David Lee Gammon retrieved his gun and headed for the front door as three men broke in and began shooting in his direction. Gammon returned fire, and the intruders fled in their car, which was found three hours later burning by the side of the road. The body of one of the intruders was found outside of the car, dead from a gunshot wound sustained at Gammon's home. Michael Robin Wilson was arrested and charged in the burglary, while Timothy Willard Thornton was being sought on the same charges.
NewsDemocrat, Belleville, IL, 08/06/04
  State: IL
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  A St. Louis, Missouri, woman knew that she would have to defend herself late one night when she heard her garage door being kicked in. Despite the fact thai 87-year-old Nina Sloan walked with the aid of a cane, she managed to retrieve her pistol and head toward the kitchen where she heard sounds of breaking glass. Seeing a hand reach through the broken glass to unlock the kitchen door, Sloan fired her gun twice. The intruder fled and Sloan called the authorities. Police are investigating if this attempted robbery is related to another one that occured down the street the previous day. When asked about the incident, Sloan said, "I'm a good person, but I'm not going to let somebody run over me. You're going to break into my house when I didn't invite you? Oh, no!"
Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, TX, 08/17/04
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Four burglars got a surprise while attempting to rob a Bowie County, Texas, home when the homeowner pulled in the driveway. Spotting the truck, one of the four burglars went outside and pulled a gun, but the homeowner pulled out his own-which he kept in his truck-and began to shoot first. The four burglars escaped in a dark-colored, four-door Ford Escort. It was not known if any of the burglars were hit. Bowie County Sheriff James Prince said that the homeowner has every right to protect his home and property, "especially if a burglar is pointing a gun at you."
Courier-Post, Camden, N.J., 10/22/04
  State: NJ
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Spotting two men trying to steal an ATV, Franklin, N.J., resident Robert J. Clark, Jr. retrieved his 9 mm Taurus handgun and confronted them. When one of the thieves appeared to go for a gun, Clark fired, killing him. The other suspect fled and was later arrested. A grand jury declined to file charges against Clark.
Juneau Empire, Juneau, AK, 10/26/04
  State: AK
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  A Tee Harbor, Alaska, resident heard noises in the kitchen, retrieved a gun and went to investigate. He soon found himself facing two bears that had broken into his home. When one charged, the home owner fired, fatally wounding it. Wildlife biologists took the other intruder into custody and will relocate it.

 

Times-Press, Streator, Ill., 10/28/04
  State: IL
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Seeing a man outside his Toluca, Ill., home, Bradley Burns gathered his wife and son in a bedroom and called 911. When the man broke in a glass door and approached the bedroom, Burns retrieved a gun and warned the man he was armed. When the intruder entered the bedroom, Burns fired, killing him. "It's bad enough someone is in the house, but you have to defend yourself when you and your family are huddled in a bedroom and this person is approaching," said Toluca Police chief Mark Johnson.
The Monroe County Advocate, Sweetwater, Tenn., 10/26/04
  State: TN
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  When Cindy Isbill's ex-boyfriend forced open the door of her Madisonville, Tenn., home with a knife, she warned him to leave or she would call police. He left but soon returned. When he began making threats, Isbill retrieved a gun and fired, wounding her assailant, who fled.
Washington Times, Washington, DC, October 28, 2004
  State: VA
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Hearing strange noises in his home at 2 a.m., a Fairfax, Va., resident got a gun, and went to investigate. He found a burglar, and ordered the intruder to call police. Police arrived and took the burglar into custody.
Houston Chronicle, Houston, Tex., 11/1/04
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  When Tuan Minh Coa Tran was leaving the Houston, Tex., convenience store where he worked, he found himself confronted by two armed robbers. After one of the robbers shot out a tire on his car, Tran retrieved his own gun and returned fire, seriously injuring one of the suspects. The other assailant fled and was later captured by police.
Jackson Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Miss., 11/3/04
  State: MS
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  A knife-wielding robber tried to force Christian Corley into the back of the Jackson, Miss., store where Corley he worked. Corley, however, managed to break free, retrieve a gun, and in the ensuing struggle, shoot and mortally wound the robber.
Tallahassee Democrat, Tallahassee, Fla., 11/5/04
  State: FL
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Seeing a stranger enter the yard of his hurricane-damaged Pensacola, Fla., home, 77-year-old James Workman left the trailer he and his wife were living in to confront him. The man, however, managed to force his way into the trailer, where Workman grabbed him and a struggle ensued. Workman was able to reach a gun, fire and fatally shot the intruder.
Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, 10/15/04
  State: IA
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  When his wife's ex-husband forced his way into their Fort Dodge, Iowa, home, and assaulted him, Dr. Daniel Cole, a medical examiner, retrieved a gun and fired a shot, fatally wounding his assailant. A Webster County grand jury declined to file charges.
Raleigh News-Observer, Raleigh, N.C., 11/14/04
  State: NC
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Seeing two men acting suspiciously in his Raleigh, N.C., jewelry store, Larry Dickerson he took the precaution of slipping his pistol into his pocket. That cautionary decision proved to be a life saver when one of the men drew a gun and opened fire on the retired police officer. Dickerson drew his own gun and returned fire, forcing the would-be robbers to flee.
Star Gazette, Elmira, N.Y., 11/11/04
  State: NY
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  When a Windham Township, Penn., homeowner woke up and discovered a burglar in his home, he acted quickly. The homeowner grabbed a gun, and, when confronted by the intruder, shot him. The wounded man fled, but was later found by police at a local hospital.
Dallas Morning News, Dallas, Tex., 11/29/04
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 11/1/2004
  Seeing an armed man enter the Dallas, Tex., gas station that had been the scene of prior robberies, a station attendant reacted quickly, retrieving a gun. When the would-be robber aimed his gun at him, the employee shot first, wounding his assailant in the side. Police took the wounded suspect into custody, and believe that he may have been responsible for several other robberies over the past month.

 

Washington Times, Washington, D.C., 10/13/04
  State: AL
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  A homeowner in Shelby, Ala., found four men breaking into his home, so he retrieved a gun, fired and wounded one man. The four burglars fled, and the wounded suspect was later taken to a hospital, where he was taken into custody. It was later learned the man was one of four inmates who had escaped from a Georgia prison.
Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe, N.M., 10/11/04
  State: NM
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  When a Rio Rancho, N.M., homeowner spotted a prowler outside his home, he got a gun and went to investigate. He followed the intruder to the back yard, where the man fired a gun at him. The homeowner returned fire, killing the assailant.
The Trentonian, Trenton, N.J., 9/25/04
  State: NJ
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  When an argument outside aTrenton, N.J., lounge escalated with one man pulling a retired police officer Earl Hill drew his 9 mm Glock he had a permit to carry, and ordered the man to drop his gun. When he refused, Hill fired, wounding the assailant and forcing him to flee. The suspect was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
The Sun Herald, Biloxi, MS, 07/27/04
  State: MS
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  A young man was coming out of a bedroom in his grandmother's house in Gulfport, Miss., when he encountered two men who had entered the home. One of the intruders struck the young man on the head. As the victim fell, he grabbed a gun that was hidden under the bed and began firing at the two men, who then fled in a gray Oldsmobile. No one was injured at the house, but at least one victim of the home invasion had been tied up with duct tape, according to police at the scene.
The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA, 07/09/04
  State: WA
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  Lisa Hansen awoke one morning to the sounds of someone moving around inside her house. Then someone ran up her stairs and attempted to open her bedroom door. "I waited to listen to see how many footsteps I heard," Hansen said. Deciding there was only one intruder, Hansen grabbed her cell phone and reached for a gun she keeps under her bed. She ran out of the room, confronted the burglar and held him at gunpoint until police arrived. The would-be burglar turned out to be a teenager who lives in the neighborhood and had previously done some lawn work for Hansen. The teen said he had entered her home only because he saw a man in there, but Hansen did not believe the explanation. Police later discovered a checkbook belonging to Hansen's cousin in the boy's pocket.
Texarkana Gazette, Texarkana, Tex., 8/17/04
  State: TX
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  When a Bowie County, Tex., homeowner pulled into the driveway of his home, he caught four burglars red-handed. One of the burglars went outside, and tried to pull a gun, but the homeowner drew a gun he kept in his truck and fired first. The four burglars fled.
The San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego, CA, 07/12/04
  State: CA
  American Rifleman Issue: 10/1/2004
  A Pacific Beach, Calif., resident heard someone breaking into his home at 1:52 a.m. Fearing for his wife and young child's safety, the homeowner retrieved a gun and fired at the intruder, who suffered a wound to his ankle and fled the scene. Police apprehended the suspect, took him for medical treatment and then to jail.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N.Y., 8/2/04
  State: NY
  American Rifleman Issue: 9/1/2004
  When his wife alerted him that two armed robbers had carried out a robbery in the area, a Webster, N.Y., homeowner armed himself with his .45-caliber handgun. When one of the robbers tried to get in the home, the resident surprised him and held him at gun point until police arrived. The robber's accomplice was later arrested.
Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, Mich., 7/7/04
  State: MI
  American Rifleman Issue: 9/1/2004
  When a man walked into Leon Moody's Grand Rapids, Mich., store and pointed a gun in his face, and demanded money, Moody did not comply. He drew his own gun and fired, hitting the robber in the arm. The man fled, but was arrested within an hour as he sought treatment for his wound.
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Va., 7/23/04
  State: VA
  American Rifleman Issue: 9/1/2004
  David Lee Gammon awoke to a car smashing into the porch of his Pittsylvania, Va., home at two in the morning. He retrieved a gun just as three armed intruders broke in and started shooting at him. Gammon returned fire, forcing the intruders to flee. One of them was later found dead of a gunshot wound, and a second was arrested by police.

 

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