The Armed Citizen® March 13, 2014

by
posted on March 13, 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

Police were dispatched to Pizza Heaven II late one evening to respond to a robbery. The owner of the pizzeria reported that he had just been robbed by two men, one of whom was armed with a rifle. The robbers demanded money from the cash register, which the owner handed over. The suspects then ordered the owner into an office where they demanded more money. Instead, the owner pulled out his own firearm. One of the robbers was so alarmed that he fell backward and dropped his rifle. The owner then chased the two robbers from his business. Both men were later arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny and conspiracy for both counts. No one was injured in the robbery of the pizzeria. (The New Haven Register, New Haven, Conn., 8/20/13)

Elzie Pipkins, a 63-year-old great-grandmother, was at home with her daughter and granddaughter just before 6:30 p.m. when someone burst through the front door and ordered that "nobody move." The armed intruder kept his shotgun pointed at Pipkins' back as he followed her to the safe where she kept a sizable bag of lose change and a handgun. The intruder took one hand off of his gun when reaching for the bag of money, which gave Pipkins an opportunity to grab her own firearm. She fired twice, causing the intruder to drop his shotgun and flee the home. He collapsed just a block away and was later pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. Pipkins and her family were unharmed during the home invasion. (The Town Talk, Shreveport, La., 1/8/14)

From The Armed Citizen® Archives

August 1972: When one of two armed bandits grabbed Harry Dillion's wife and pressed a gun to her temple, the Philadelphia shoe store owner pulled a .38 pistol, fatally shot one robber and wounded the other. (The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pa.)

Latest

Springfield SA 35 4 01
Springfield SA 35 4 01

A New Compact High Power: Springfield Armory's SA-35 4"

Just as the slide and barrel of a full-size 1911 is sometimes shortened to make it more concealable, Springfield Armory is taking its SA-35 pistol and offering it with a shortened 4-inch barrel. 

Mob Defense: How to Stay Safe from a Crowd

Imagine yourself alone or with your family or a small group where you suddenly find yourself in a situation where a mob starts forming up around you and appears hostile. What are some recommended courses of action you can take?

Firearm and Ammo Sales Soaring in Virginia

Ahead of Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's anticipated signing of a slate of gun-control bills, firearm and ammunition sales are soaring in the Old Dominion.

Review: Ruger Harrier

Ruger’s new Harrier AR-15-style rifle proves to be a great entry-level, multi-purpose carbine.

New For 2026: Canik Mete MC9 Prime Radian

Building on the company's initial Mete MC9 Prime design, Canik added a Radian Weapons Afterburner compensator and Ramjet barrel to create the new MC9 Prime Radian.

The Armed Citizen® April 6, 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.