The Armed Citizen® March 21, 2012

by
posted on March 21, 2012
** 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

A would-be burglar was arrested after a homeowner called 9-1-1 while detaining the criminal at gunpoint. The intruder, 22-year-old Jacob Pino, entered the home wearing several layers of clothing, gloves, a black nylon mask and shoes covered with plastic bags to avoid leaving identifiable prints. A backpack containing a 22-cal. handgun and a money clip belonging to the homeowner was also recovered at the scene. (The Pueblo Chieftain, Pueblo, CO, 12/14/11)

The Armed Citizen Extra

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

At home with her 10-year-old son and two dogs, a Houston homeowner was going through her morning routine when suddenly two intruders broke in. Immediately, she told her son to hide in a closet with a phone, and told him to call 9-1-1. The woman grabbed a .22 rifle and confronted the two men who were carrying large household items out her front door. She fired a shot, causing the men to flee. Authorities were in pursuit of the suspects when this went to press. (myfoxhouston.com, Houston, TX, 02/09/12)

From The Armed Citizen Archives

March 1975: When Cecil and Edna Doggett, aged 67 and 66, opened the door of their Oakland, Calif., home to what they thought were Halloween trick or treaters, four young men rushed in and began attacking them with billy clubs. During the struggle, one of the intruders dropped a .22 revolver, giving Doggett time to get his own .357 Magnum revolver from a living room drawer. The youths fled as Doggett fired twice. Two suspects, each wounded in the left leg, were taken into custody by police. (The Oakland Tribune, Oakland, Calif.)

 

Latest

World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine
World War I-era Berthier M16 carbine

Taking It Home: War Trophies in American History

From our founding to the more recent past, war-trophy firearms have played a significant role in arming American citizens.

Questions & Answers: Patterning with the Poly Choke

I bought a Remington 1100 LW 20-gauge shotgun for my wife to shoot clay targets (informally) and sometimes hunt with me when I go hunting for waterfowl.

Meprolight Offers Free Suppressor With Optic Purchase

Readers have only until July 31, 2026, to purchase a qualifying Meprolight optic and be eligible to receive a rebate for a free Backdraft Hunter suppressor in a caliber of their choosing.

Gun Locker: Wilson Combat eXperior Elite

Wilson Combat continues its fine tradition of making excellent guns even better with its new eXperior Elite design.

The Sako 90 Grizzly: Modernity Meets Tradition

Hunting remains a largely traditional activity, and some of us just like the feel of a nice wood stock. For those purists among us, Sako has introduced its new-for-2026 Grizzly.

The Armed Citizen® July 13, 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.