The Armed Citizen® March 24, 2017

by
posted on March 24, 2017
** 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 (6)

A driver passing through Tonopah, Ariz., saved a state trooper’s life after a harrowing incident. Just before sunrise, the trooper had stopped to investigate an accident. After discovering a flipped vehicle, the officer went to set out flares to warn other motorists. The driver of the overturned car opened fire on the officer and struck him, prompting the officer to attempt to subdue the man. A passing motorist and concealed-carry holder saw the attack and stopped, asking the officer if he needed help. After the officer said, “yes,” the armed citizen went to his vehicle and retrieved his firearm, warning the trooper’s attacker to stop. The man did not, so the Good Samaritan shot him once, wounding him. While the passerby was tending to the trooper’s injuries, the assailant attacked a second time. The armed citizen shot the man again, this time killing him. Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Capt. Damon Cecil said the motorist saved the trooper’s life. (The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, AZ, 1/17/17)

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Criminals may think operating as a pack is an advantage when trying to rob a residence, but that’s not the case when the homeowner is prepared. That’s what three intruders found out when they tried to rob a Columbus, Ind., homeowner early one morning. The three robbers had already stolen a vehicle and several items before they were discovered by the homeowner, who held them at gunpoint in his driveway until police arrived. Police arrested them on charges of burglary, theft and auto theft. (Fox 59, Columbus, IN, 2/18/17) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
March 1985
After ordering store employees to lie on the floor, a gunman handed Wylam, Ala., pharmacist Joe Gandy a pillowcase and demanded he fill it with drugs. While doing so, Gandy lifted a pistol and fired. In an exchange of gunshots, the robber was fatally wounded. (The Birmingham News, Birmingham, AL)

Latest

Vang Comp 870 1
Vang Comp 870 1

Perfecting The Remington 870 Shotgun With Vang Comp Systems

One American Rifleman contributor let Vang Comp Systems work its magic on a well-used Remington 870 Police Magnum shotgun.

Gunsite Academy Celebrates 50 Years

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Gunsite, an elite training establishment in Arizona founded by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper to help train Americans in the pragmatic use of firearms for personal protection.

Gun of the Week: Primary Weapons Systems UXR

Primary Weapons System took the consumer demand for modularity in firearm design to the next level with its UXR or User Xchangeable Rifle.

Heritage Rough Rider Now Available in .32 H&R Magnum

Long available only in rimfire chamberings, Heritage Manufacturing's popular Rough Rider revolver series is now available in the .32 H&R Magnum centerfire chambering for the first time.

Get Your Official NRA Licensed Merchandise!

It’s never been easier to show your pride in NRA than with a new line of NRA Official Merchandise!

The Armed Citizen® April 17, 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.