The Armed Citizen® October 23, 2020

by
posted on October 23, 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-main-image.jpg (5)
Armed Citizen® Today

A man attempting to burglarize a Paradise Township, Penn., home found out that he picked the wrong residence when the homeowner, a Vietnam War veteran, defended his property with a firearm on Oct. 18, 2020.

The incident started around 4:45 p.m. that Sunday when a 38-year-old man from Bronx, N.Y., who police said was under the influence of drugs at the time, walked up to the residence. The owner of the home, a 72-year-old Vietnam vet, noticed a figure standing out front of his home while sitting in a chair in the living room. The homeowner then got up and went to the front door to talk to the individual.

The man then started telling the homeowner to call police and that a gang was trying to kill him. The homeowner then called authorities as the stranger asked and began to report what he had said. While on the phone with police and standing in his garage, the homeowner then heard a crash in his house. The stranger had broken through a window into the home.

Still on the phone with police, the homeowner confronted the would-be burglar in the kitchen and pulled out his pistol. He then held the intruder at gunpoint for 10 minutes until state police arrived. The homeowner said his experience from the war helped him keep composure during the incident, in which no shots were fired. The burglar was charged with criminal trespass, simple assault and criminal mischief. (
wnep.com, Scranton, Penn., 10/20/2020)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives June 1982

Rev. Martin Jarreau was asleep in the rectory of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miami when he heard strange noises. He grabbed a .38-cal. revolver and went to investigate. He found a would-be burglar trying to exit via a bathroom window. Fr. Jarreau held the man, who had a long criminal record, for police. (
The Herald, Miami, FL)

Latest

Franchi Mule Gotw 1
Franchi Mule Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience, a specially tailored clinic designed to help new female shooters become familiar with the basics of firearm safety, shotgun-handling and sporting-clays shooting.

New for 2026: Bersa B-Series Suppressors

Bersa USA has updated its suppressor lineup in 2026 with its new B-Series cans, which cover the range from .22 LR all the way up to .300 Win. Mag.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.