The Armed Citizen® May 17, 2024

Armed Citizen® Today

A violent rampage ended in Melrose, Fla., after an armed driver used his handgun in self-defense against a 26-year-old man who allegedly assaulted him.

On March 25, the 26-year-old suspect met with case managers from Florida's Department of Children and Families regarding the welfare of his 3-month-old baby. After going outside to get some air, the case manager heard the man screaming and found him squeezing the child. The man then took the baby and a Bible, began claiming he was "God" and walked toward a nearby state road.

A family member was able to grab the baby, and a local work crew attempted to restrain the crazed individual, but the man grabbed a shovel, jumped on top of a nearby vehicle and began hitting the windshield. The suspect then approached another man in a truck, opened the door and began beating the driver with the shovel, breaking the man's arm and the shovel in the process. The suspect then approached the driver again, holding the Bible in front of his chest.

The driver drew a firearm and shot three times, the bullets passing through the book and entering the suspect's chest. The attacker was airlifted to a local trauma center for treatment, and the driver was given medical care at a local hospital for his broken arm and multiple cuts. Police say the driver fired in self-defense and no charges are expected against him. (WCJB News; Melrose, Fla.; 3/25/24)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1971

Philip S. Summerhays, 27, noticed activity in a nearby parking lot when he arrived home late one night. Thinking somebody might be breaking into a car, he went to investigate and found a young man attempting to rape a 46-year-old woman. Summerhays drew a gun and held the man for police. (The Salt Lake Deseret News; Salt Lake City, Utah)