As reported, a Papa John’s pizza delivery driver used his gun to stop an armed robber:
Police say that just after 11:00 PM, a Papa John’s pizza deliveryman had just left a customer’s home on Possum Trail, in Hanover County, VA, when a robber who was wearing a ski mask and carrying a shotgun approached from behind. Fearing for his safety, the delivery man reportedly drew and fired his lawfully carried self defense gun, striking the robber in the face and ending the attack. The robber’s accomplices are said to have fled on foot and in a vehicle, while the delivery man ran to the customer’s home and yelled for them to call the police and an ambulance for the robber, and to stay inside themselves in case further violence should occur. The delivery man then went back to the robber and offered him words of encouragement, stating that medical attention was on the way, according to news reports. A suspect, reportedly identified as 26 year old Brandon Floyd, is said to have been taken to a local hospital for treatment, and charges are reportedly expected upon his release from the hospital. Three other suspects were also taken into custody, according to police.
The compassion that this pizza delivery driver showed towards the man who had just allegedly threatened his life with a gun is worth noting. Those opposed to gun rights like to suggest that armed citizens who fire in self defense are blood thirsty killers just looking for an excuse to take a life. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Rather, such armed citizens fire as a last resort, in order to protect themselves and their families from an imminent threat. As another example, this disabled veteran, who had a concealed carry permit, decided to comply with a robber’s demands for his wallet instead of shooting in self defense. It was only when the robber continued to advance on him while brandishing a metal pipe that the citizen fired in self defense. Similarly, this pizza delivery driver handed over his money and tried to back away, and only fired in self defense after the violent robber followed him and continued to threaten his life. As another example, this elderly man went to great lengths to avoid shooting the violent criminals who were threatening his life. As a final example, this man gave a machete-wielding attacker multiple chances to cease his attack before firing in self defense, and even provided first aid to the attacker after he was forced to fire. In the current case, as well as those other examples, armed citizens risked their lives to try and preserve the life of their attacker.