The Armed Citizen® April 22, 2019

by
posted on April 22, 2019
** 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 (6)

An armed citizen of the Hoosier State received an early-morning surprise while entering his car. The Kokomo, Ind., resident was getting into his car when a suspicious man wearing a bandana entered his car without warning. The driver armed himself with his firearm and informed the suspect he was armed. This did not deter the would-be carjacker, who pulled out a handgun of his own. In response, the armed citizen fired several times at the suspect, who fled the vehicle without a fight and without firing his weapon. It is unknown if the suspect was struck, and the investigation is ongoing. (theindychannel.com, Kokomo, Ind., 2/4/19)

Armed Citizen Extra
After being bloodied and threatened by a hitchhiker he picked up in Duquesne, a 73-year-old Pennsylvania man was forced to think quickly. Having just minutes earlier picked up a male and female hitchhiker, the driver became suspicious when the male passenger began sending him along an alley. Suddenly, the passenger told him to stop his SUV, informed the driver he was going to rob him and hit him with a pistol. Though bleeding, the driver managed to exit the car. While the female passenger ran off, the man followed the driver out and leveled a gun at him. It was at this point that the driver fatally shot the would-be robber three times with this own legally carried pistol, resolving the incident. (Pittsburgh's Action 4 News, Duquesne, Pa., 4/4/19)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
April 1962
After loitering in A. A. Dear's Anniston, Ala., market for several minutes, a man pulled a pistol and demanded that Dear give him the money in the cash register. Dear then was forced to lie behind the counter. Dear had a cal. .38 revolver on a shelf and rose firing when he heard the thief close the front door. The holdup man fell dead on the sidewalk, hit by 3 shots. (The Anniston Star)

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.