As reported, an armed robber was shot in self defense by his armed victim in Hazelwood, MO:
Police say that the a 57 year old man was out for evening walk in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood when an armed robber approached from behind, pointed a .38 caliber revolver at the man, and demanded his wallet. The man reportedly handed over his wallet, then drew his own .40 caliber pistol and ordered the robber to get on the ground until the police could arrive. Rather than comply, the robber began to point his gun at the victim, at which point the victim fired in self defense. A suspect, reportedly identified as 20 year old Christopher Holland, was found dead across the street, with a revolver in his hand, police say. Police also suspect that Holland may have behind another armed robbery attempt, which occurred last week.
Those opposed to gun ownership for self defense often argue that a crime victim who is caught unawares will be unable to get their gun and defend themselves. As this case shows, such theoretical arguments don’t necessarily reflect reality. Here, the robbery victim was able to draw his gun and fire in self defense, despite the fact that the robber had the element of surprise.
Nor is this an isolated case of self defense success. Many crime victims are able to defend themselves against criminals who seemingly have the upper hand, as some recent examples demonstrate: This homeowner managed to get and fire his self defense gun, despite being attacked at his front door and shot by a violent intruder. This man managed to shoot 2 armed robbers in self defense, despite being choked by the robbers and held at gunpoint in his own home. This homeowner managed to get his gun from a drawer, despite the fact that a criminal held a knife to him. This elderly man managed to grab a self defense gun, despite being shocked with a stun gun and beaten by a 24 year old man. This man managed to draw his concealed carry handgun and shoot an armed robber in self defense, despite the fact that that robber was standing behind him and pointing a shotgun at his back. This jewelry store owner managed to grab his gun from under a desk, despite the fact that two robbers were in his store, one of whom had a gun pointed at him. This pawnshop manager managed to shoot an armed in self defense, saving himself and his teenage employee, despite the fact that a gun was being held to that employee’s throat. I could go on with many more examples, but the point should be clear – armed self defense works.
My thanks to Skippy for pointing out this self defense example.