The Armed Citizen® June 16, 2023

by
posted on June 16, 2023
** 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. **
The Armed Citizen

Armed Citizen® Today

A man and woman sitting inside a vehicle near a park in Kelso, Wash., were assaulted by two men, forcing the male driver of the car to defend himself and his companion on April 27, 2023.

At about 4:30 p.m. that Thursday, the man and woman were sitting inside their vehicle in the driveway of their house when a pair of men approached the car. One of the suspects, a 21-year-old male, approached the driver's side door, opened it and then allegedly began assaulting the man, accusing him of being in a rival gang. The driver drew a concealed handgun, exited the car during the assault and opened fire. The shot struck the other suspect, a 19-year-old male, and both subjects fled the scene.

Police responded and found the armed citzen, who acknowledged that he had fired a shot at the assault suspects. The armed citizen was temporarily detained while police obtained witness statements and video recording of the altercation, which supported his self-defense claim. He was released without charges.

The wounded assailant was located in a vehicle nearby with the other suspect and was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both suspects were booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of 4th Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass. (Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office; Kelso, Wash.; 4/27/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1962

While making a routine check of his sporting goods store in Monahans, Texas, Lyle Saunders heard noises in a back room. He drew his gun, discovered a burglar at work, and held the intruder until police arrived. (Monahans News; Monahans, Texas)

Latest

Crosman Raiden 01
Crosman Raiden 01

Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun

Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.

New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors

Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.

Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel

For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.

The Armed Citizen® June 12, 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.

A Cathartic Journey Back to Midway Arms & the MidwayUSA Foundation

NRA CEO & EVP Doug Hamlin returned to MidwayUSA, a place he first visited decades ago in the early 1990s as publisher of Guns & Ammo magazine alongside the late, great Robert E. Petersen.

Review: Steiner MPS-C

The new Steiner MPS-C is the compact but rugged, closed-emitter optic we’ve all been waiting for.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.