The Armed Citizen®: January 9, 2015

by
posted on January 9, 2015
** 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 (2)

Donald Sacco, 64, was waiting at a bus stop around 8:15 a.m. when a 50-year-old stranger approached him with a knife. The stranger stabbed Sacco multiple times in the abdomen and attempted to steal his bag. Sacco tried to use his cane to fight the man off and screamed, “I don’t have any money, leave me alone!” Someone driving by the incident, who was legally carrying a concealed firearm, witnessed the attack and intervened. The suspect was held at gun point until police arrived. The suspect was then taken into custody and faces charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and robbery. Sacco was taken to a local hospital and treated for his stab wounds. He is expected to survive his injuries. (Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, FL, 7/16/14)

The Armed Citizen® Extra 
A 19-year-old Helena, Mont., man stands accused of kidnapping after allegedly holding a female victim at gunpoint for several hours. The perpetrator grabbed the victim by the ears and claimed that he would “smash her head into the floor until there was only mush left.” He also destroyed the female’s cell phone in order to prevent her from contacting the authorities. After being held captive for more than four hours, the female victim was able to escape her captor and run to a neighbor’s residence for help. The kidnapper then pursued her to the neighbor’s place, where he was held at gunpoint by the homeowner until law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. The suspect has now been charged with one count of felony kidnapping, partner or family member assault and other misdemeanor counts. (Independent Record, Helena, MT, 11/25/14)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives  August 1964
In Independence, Kan., Harley R. Pierce was in the rear of his store when he heard a man demand money from his wife. Pierce grabbed a .32-caliber pistol and went into the front of the store to find two men, one armed with a sawed-off shotgun, accosting his wife. The store owner fired one shot at the armed thug. The wounded bandit came at him, and Pierce fired another shot as he struggled with the bandit. The man fell to the floor seriously wounded. Pierce held his gun on the other intruder until police arrived. (Examiner, Independence, KS)

Latest

Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1
Armed Citizen Podcast John Lott 1

Why the Murder Rate Quickly Fell to a Likely Historic Low

If the gun-control Left is to be believed, then the murder rate in the U.S. should be going up. After all, gun sales and ownership rates have been rising for the last few decades and anti-gun groups claim that gun ownership is the cause of violent crime. This, of course, is nonsense.

16 New Bolt-Action Rifles for 2026

From cutting-edge precision rifles designed for competition or hunting to traditionally styled guns that emulate designs from yesteryear, 2026 saw the introduction of an incredible array of bolt-action rifles.

Review: Chiappa Rhino 60DS 10 mm Auto

The Italian-designed-and-manufactured Chiappa Rhino remains unique today as the only current revolver with the barrel mounted at the bottom of the frame, firing from the chamber at the 6-o’clock position.

5 New Large-Format Pistols for 2026

There's been a huge surge in the large-format pistol category, and 2026 continues to showcase new models answering the wants and needs of today's firearm owners.

Short & Powerful: The EOTech Vudu 4-12x36 mm Super Short Riflescope

EOTech's ultra-compact 3-9x32 mm Vudu was a popular addition to the company's variable-powered riflescope line, and the new 4-12x36 mm Vudu ups the ante with new features in a still-compact package.

The Armed Citizen® May 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.