The Armed Citizen® October 23, 2020

by
posted on October 23, 2020
** 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. **
armed-citizen-main-image.jpg (5)
Armed Citizen® Today

A man attempting to burglarize a Paradise Township, Penn., home found out that he picked the wrong residence when the homeowner, a Vietnam War veteran, defended his property with a firearm on Oct. 18, 2020.

The incident started around 4:45 p.m. that Sunday when a 38-year-old man from Bronx, N.Y., who police said was under the influence of drugs at the time, walked up to the residence. The owner of the home, a 72-year-old Vietnam vet, noticed a figure standing out front of his home while sitting in a chair in the living room. The homeowner then got up and went to the front door to talk to the individual.

The man then started telling the homeowner to call police and that a gang was trying to kill him. The homeowner then called authorities as the stranger asked and began to report what he had said. While on the phone with police and standing in his garage, the homeowner then heard a crash in his house. The stranger had broken through a window into the home.

Still on the phone with police, the homeowner confronted the would-be burglar in the kitchen and pulled out his pistol. He then held the intruder at gunpoint for 10 minutes until state police arrived. The homeowner said his experience from the war helped him keep composure during the incident, in which no shots were fired. The burglar was charged with criminal trespass, simple assault and criminal mischief. (
wnep.com, Scranton, Penn., 10/20/2020)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives June 1982

Rev. Martin Jarreau was asleep in the rectory of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miami when he heard strange noises. He grabbed a .38-cal. revolver and went to investigate. He found a would-be burglar trying to exit via a bathroom window. Fr. Jarreau held the man, who had a long criminal record, for police. (
The Herald, Miami, FL)

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1
Smith Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp 1

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp

In our latest Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp, a medium-size revolver chambered for .357 Magnum.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 26, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Overlooked Austrian: The Schwarzlose M1907 Machine Gun

Among the machine guns used by all the powers involved in World War I, the Austrian Schwarzlose is often forgotten. But this simple, reliable arm saw service for more than 20 years across two world wars.

New Hodgdon Reloading Manual, Sierra Bullets Announced

Hodgdon announced the launch of its 2026 reloading manual, while Sierra Bullets launched a collection of heavy-for-caliber bullets for handloaders.

Preview: NRA RFID Bi-Fold CCW Permit Wallet

Show your NRA pride while protecting your valuable financial information with this specially configured wallet from the NRA Store.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army Revolver

For the Union Army during the American Civil War, its officers and cavalry troopers relied on one of Colt's most notable firearms: the 1860 Army revolver.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.