The Armed Citizen® January 24, 2020

by
posted on January 24, 2020
** 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. **
armed-citizen.jpg

A man and his mother were working at an Akron, Ohio, beauty supply store when two alleged armed robbers wearing masks and gloves entered around 7 p.m. on Nov. 15. Both employees were behind the counter of the glass-fronted store. During the alleged robbery, the son pushed his mother back to protect her, drew his handgun and fired a few shots at the masked men, fatally wounding one in the head.

The dead robber’s handgun, found on the floor nearby, was loaded. The other suspect crouched down, crawled out of the store and fled. The alleged robbery was recorded on store security cameras. Days earlier, the armed citizen’s father suggested he bring a firearm to work after noticing a suspicious man enter the store. The other suspected robber was still at large. (Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, 11/20/2019)

Armed Citizen Extra
When a man broke into a 12-year old girl's room and stripped down to his underwear, the girl's mother's boyfriend knew he had to act. The quick thinking 12-year old hid under her covers, texted her mother, and looked for her opportunity to escape. After she fled the situation, the half-naked intruder found his way to the kitchen, which is where he was found by the adult pair.

After yelling at him multiple times to leave, and even employing a broom, the girl's mother handed her boyfriend a gun, which he fired at him, prompting him to flee. Police arrested the man a short time after, and later found a baggie of heroin in the home the intruder had dropped when he disrobed. (wdrb.com, Louisville, Ky., 4/15/2019)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
January 1936
LOS ANGELES, May 21 AP—A youth giving the name of Vernon Marihugh, 16, a resident of El Monte, was in a hospital today, critically wounded after an attempted hold-up.

E. W. Quay reported to police that the youth robbed him of $19. As he started to flee, Quay said he seized a pistol and fired at him. After being struck, the youth ran nearly two blocks before collapsing.

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.