The Armed Citizen® February 2011

*Police said a 32-year-old man was leaving a fast-food restaurant when a robber approached him, demanded cash and threatened him with a box cutter. The would-be victim, who had a concealed carry permit, acted quickly, drawing a handgun and shooting his attacker. The suspect will be arrested pending his release from the hospital. “[In a robbery], you ain’t got time to wait for police,” said local resident Billy Pompey. “Got to protect yourself.” (WALA-TV, Mobile, AL, 11/11/10)

*Stories of armed citizens defending their homes during Hurricane Katrina are well documented, but many may be unaware that the looting and burglaries are ongoing. Lionel Lewis, 61, still lives in a FEMA trailer next to his hurricane-damaged home. One evening he heard someone forcing their way into his home, likely to steal copper pipes. Lewis phoned police, armed himself with a handgun and investigated. “Don’t move,” Lewis told the suspect. Instead, the suspect wheeled around and swung a two-by-four at Lewis, who ducked the blow. The assailant prepared for another swing but, before he could make it, Lewis shot him. Police arrested the would-be burglar and took him to the hospital for treatment. (The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, LA, 11/12/10) Waterbury, Conn., 09/28/10)

Armed Citizen Extra

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

As an employee at a Chinese restaurant was ringing up a dinner order, a man drew a gun and began grabbing money from the register. The restaurant owner quickly drew a gun and shot the man who immediately fled and was later found dead a few blocks away. (Republican American, Waterbury, CT, 09/28/10)

From The Armed Citizen Archive

February 1961: Delicatessen owner Stanley Wasik snatched his cal .38 revolver from under the counter and shot 2 bandits who entered his Chicago shop brandishing guns. One was captured at the scene; the other fled the store and was put under guard when he staggered into a hospital seeking treatment for a bullet wound in the back. (Chicago American, Chicago, IL)