The Armed Citizen® June 1, 2020

by
posted on June 1, 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
Armed Citizen® Today

Late in the evening on Saturday, April 5, a homeowner in Spokane, Wash., woke after hearing a noise in his downstairs kitchen. He grabbed his shotgun and headed downstairs to investigate.

When he entered the kitchen, the homeowner found an unknown 29-year-old man using his microwave. The homeowner then demanded that the intruder leave, and the intruder responded that he didn't understand why the homeowner was so mad, as he was doing their dishes.

The 29-year-old suspect then approached the homeowner, and a struggle for the shotgun ensued. The homeowner fired one round into the ground, which caused the suspect to stumble away. He reloaded his shotgun as the suspect approached him once again and fired a round into the assailant's leg.

As the struggle ensued, the homeowner's wife had called the police, informed dispatchers that her husband had a gun and had found the alleged intruder. Deputies arrived at the scene to find the 29-year-old suspect yelling for help and bleeding from a shotgun wound to the leg.

One deputy applied a tourniquet to the wounded suspect and detained him as medical responders arrived at the scene. The suspect told deputies that he thought he was at a friend's house but later admitted that his friend was in prison. Investigators found no evidence that the suspect's friend had ever been in contact with the homeowners.

At the time of reporting, the suspected burglar was in the hospital and facing charges of first-degree burglary. The homeowner will not face any charges. (KXLY, Spokane, Wash., 04/05/2020)
  
   
From the Armed Citizen® Archives December 1973

A youthful robber confronted Wesley Krouse of Phoenix, Ariz., at his front door and, armed with a .22-cal. revolver, forced the 72-year-old Krouse to turn over some cash and the keys to his truck.

But when the thief pushed the septuagenarian into his bedroom, Krouse grabbed a 12-ga. shotgun and exchanged fire with the bandit, who was killed instantly. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Ariz.)

Latest

M2 .50-caliber machine gun
M2 .50-caliber machine gun

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 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.

Suppressor Sales Reach Unprecedented Levels

According to 4473 Cloud, a service provider to federal firearms licensees, more than 1.5 million Form 4s for suppressor transfers have been filed so far this year.

First Look: Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro

The Shooters Global SG Pulse Pro is an impressive all-in-one gadget, offering you a timer, DOPE cards, a level and a stability tracker in one aluminum, water-resistant body with multiple mounting options.

The Guns of Shanghai 1937: A Prelude to WWII's Brutal Urban Combat

Often overlooked by Western military historians, the Battle of Shanghai in 1937 was an early sign of the brutal urban combat that would characterize much of World War II. An incredible array of arms was used in the fighting.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.