The Armed Citizen® April 20, 2011

by
posted on April 20, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (1)

When 70-year-old Watson Green discovered a man attempting to break into his home late one evening, he immediately called 9-1-1 and got his handgun. Green advised the 9-1-1 operator that he was armed. The operator told him to put the gun away and wait for the police but Green chose to do otherwise. In fear of his life, Green fired a single shot, killing the suspect. Two weeks prior to his death, the suspect was arrested for burglary in a separate incident. "We've had a lot of break-ins in Hobbs lately," said Hobbs, N.M., Police Officer Mike Stone. "The residents of the home were probably scared." (KRQE-TV, Albuquerque, NM, 02/23/11)

Armed Citizen Extra

(The following account did not appear in the printed version of American Rifleman.)

During his shift at a small coffee shop, a male barista was approached by a man weilding a gun and demanding money. After allowing the robber to take cash from the register, the barista was asked to turn around and face the wall. Thinking he was about to be shot, the barista took one last look behind him and saw that the thief had looked away for a moment. The barista quickly drew his handgun and fired several shots at the suspect, killing him. After the suspect was down, his accomplice appeared with a gun, and the barista fired twice toward him, causing the man to flee. (Statesman Journal, Salem, OR, 01/21/11)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

May 1980: A roof-top burglar eased himself through a bathroom window in Willie Dry's apartment in Palmetto, Fla., entered the bedroom, struck a match, and was killed when Dry fired his 12-ga. shotgun at him. (St. Petersburg Times)

Latest

Mendoza RM22 01
Mendoza RM22 01

Hecho en México: The Mendoza RM22 Rifles

Mendoza Firearms claims that its RM22 rimfire rifle is the first indigenously produced rifle to be exported to the United States.

Preview: MGE 1911 Grips

Mammoth Grip Exchange is a small startup company that specializes in crafting replacement stock sets for M1911-pattern pistols in a dizzying assortment of exotic materials...

Gun Of The Week: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

For this Gun Of The Week episode, American Rifleman staffers hit the range with the Mossberg 990 Aftershock, a non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm that provides plenty of power in a compact package.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Christensen Arms Evoke: A Budget-Friendly Hunting Rifle Built For The Field

For hunters seeking a well-built, no-frills hunting rifle, the Christensen Arms Evoke offers a host of desirable features, all at a price that leaves room for hunting tags and travel costs.

Wholesale Change in Glock Lineup & Other Industry Moves

Fall 2025 has proven to be a volatile time within the firearm industry, with companies like Glock announcing major changes to its product lineup, while other companies announce expansions and moves.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.