As reported, Newport News, VA police say that Barry Lee Hooker, who had two outstanding warrants for assault and battery, entered White’s Grocery Store on the 3300 block of Chestnut Avenue with an accomplice. The two robbers, who were wearing masks and carrying a shotgun, threatened the store owner and an employee, according to police. As one of the robbers walked around the counter, the store owner is said to have grabbed a gun and shot Hooker in self defense. The other robber fled, and Hooker was taken to a local hospital’s intensive care unit, according to police. Neither the store owner nor the employee was harmed.
Once again, guns are a valuable self defense tool. Unarmed individuals can suffer a terrible fate when a criminal robs them, even if they fully cooperate with the criminal’s demands. The same is true for those who try to run from the robber.
On the other hand, fighting back against robbers can be quite effective as a means of reducing the risk of injury to the victim. This armed barber shot an armed criminal who threatened him and his son, saving their lives. This armed pet shop clerk shot an armed robber who threatened a fellow employee’s life, as well as his own life, preventing them both from being stabbed. This armed pizza delivery man defended himself against 3 armed robbers, and walked away unharmed. This armed citizen stopped a bank robber, while this armed Israeli citizen stopped a terrorist. Armed citizens successfully defend themselves every single day, protecting themselves, their loved ones, and society as a whole.