The Armed Citizen® April 3, 2014

by
posted on April 3, 2014
** 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

Mabel Fletcher, 64, was sleeping when her dog woke her with a forewarning bark. She scrambled in the dark for the 9 mm handgun that she keeps in the nightstand next to her bed. As Fletcher retrieved her firearm, a woman she did not know came into her bedroom. The woman advanced threateningly, so Fletcher fired. The woman continued to act erratically and threw things at Fletcher, including an ironing board. Fletcher described the incident, "She was wild. I didn't want to shoot her, but I didn't want to get hurt. I told her to stop, but she kept coming at me." Fletcher fired a second time, but the woman lunged at her once again. Fletcher fired a third and final time, causing the intruder to flee through a window. The intruder was later arrested and is facing charges including aggravated burglary, drug abuse, possession of drug abuse instruments and criminal trespass. (The Enquirer, Middletown, Ohio, 9/5/13)

A woman entered Diamond Star AZ Jewelry around 4:30 p.m. carrying a gun. When the owner of the jewelry store spotted the gun, he pulled out his own firearm. The two exchanged gunfire. Both the would-be robber and the store owner sustained non-life-threatening injuries. After being shot, the woman fled the store only to be arrested just a few blocks away. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Ariz., 1/15/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

July 1977: Two holdup men, disguised as electric company employees, entered the New York City apartment of Carlos Rodriguez and forced his wife and small son into a rear room. As the two thieves ransacked the place, Rodriguez and a friend, Manual Liriano, unexpectedly walked in. The robbers opened fire, wounding Rodriguez, but Liriano, firing his own legally-registered pistol, killed one thug and wounded the other. (The Daily News, New York, N.Y.)

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.