Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 17 Cases During April 2021
South Bend, IN, April 3, 2021 (South Bend Tribune)
The April 3 shooting death of David Austin at Donald and Webster streets has been ruled a justifiable homicide by the county prosecutor’s office and no charges will be filed in the case.
According to a news release, the 72-year-old man who apparently was the shooter was approached “in an aggressive manner” by Austin, according to a witness, despite the older man having a handgun.
Officials said Austin, 31, who was 6-foot-11, 250 pounds, approached the man in “a boxer’s stance” on the night of April 3. The man lowered his handgun and walked backwards, but Austin reportedly closed the gap.
The witness said he heard a single shot. The older man reportedly left the scene, went home to call 9-1-1 and returned to wait for police.
The man told police Austin had punched him in the head and that he feared another blow would kill him.
Because the man was defending himself, the prosecutor’s office said it would not file charges. The man’s identity was not released.
South Bend Tribune Staff, “Prosecutor: April 3 shooting death in South Bend was justifiable; no charges will be filed,” South Bend Tribune, July 9, 2021.
Houston, TX, April 5, 2021 (Click 2 Houston)
It was around 2 p.m. Monday when Houston police said a man and his girlfriend reportedly drove a Rolls Royce SUV from the Galleria to Lana Lane to shoot a music video. Police said that it appeared the couple was followed by a gunman who robbed the man for his Rolex at gunpoint. Police said the man’s girlfriend pulled out her gun and then a shootout ensued…
Deven Clarke, “Music video ends in shootout in Galleria area neighborhood, police say,” Click 2 Houston, April 6, 2021.
Tulsa, OK, April 6, 2021 (KTUL)
Deputies say 19-year-old Xavier Foster, identified as the man hiding in the back seat, knew the intended victim recently purchased a gun. Foster recruited 17-year-old Mariely Lopez to reach out to the victim on Snapchat to set up a meeting so he could rob the victim of his newly purchased gun…
As they were driving down the highway, Lopez asked if she could see the victim’s gun. He refused, at which point Foster popped up from the back seat, pulled out his gun, and pointed it at the victim.
The men started shooting at each other as the car was traveling down Highway 412.
All three people in the car were shot during the altercation. The vehicle crashed into the highway cable barrier near Adams Road after Lopez was shot around 11:15 p.m…
Ashley Ellis, “Deadly gun battle inside moving car revealed to be setup,” KTUL, April 7, 2021.
Jeannette, PA, April 7, 2021 (Tribune-Review)
City police were called to the intersection of Locust Street and Lowry Avenue at 6 p.m. April 7 after a group of people arrived at a home there and a fight ensued in the road. Ingram was a member of that group and a relative of his confronted the 17-year-old boy who lives nearby, according to court papers. Police say the confrontation stemmed from an ongoing feud.
Ingram is accused of firing six or seven shots at the 17-year-old boy, chasing him and continuing to shoot as the teen ran away, police said. The boy was shot in the hand, according to court papers.
His mother returned fire at Ingram who was shot in the thigh and fled, police said. Both teens were hospitalized…
“At this time, the facts indicate her actions were justified,” Peck said…
In addition to the attempted homicide count, Ingram is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm by a minor…
Renatta Signorini, “Teen charged as adult in Jeannette shooting; 2nd shooter acted in defense, DA says,” Tribune-Review, April 23, 2021.
Columbus, OH, April 8, 2021 (NBC4i.com; City of Columbus Police Media)
Police responded to reports of a person that had been shot just after 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the 700 block of Seymour Ave…
Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Darren Davis, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. Davis was subsequently transported to a local area hospital in critical condition, but later upgraded to stable condition. It was later learned that Mr. Davis was walking near Mr. Mitchell when an unknown suspect began shooting at them. Mr. Mitchell, who is a CCW permit holder, then brandished his own concealed firearm and returned fire at the unknown suspect who fled the area…
NBC4i.com Staff, “One transported in critical condition after shooting on Seymour Avenue,” NBC4i.com, April 8, 2021.
The City of Columbus Police Media Releases Staff, “4/8/2021 – FELONIOUS ASSAULT (INCIDENT: 210240302),” The City of Columbus Police Media Releases, April 8, 2021.
Reading, PA, April 12, 2021 (WFMZ-TV)
The charges stem from a violent altercation outside the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Meridian Boulevard in Spring Township. The police responded there shortly before 7 p.m. Monday for the report of a shooting…
The victims — a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman — parked their vehicle outside the hotel. They had with them a 7-month-old child.
Almost immediately, a black SUV with the two suspects and two women inside parked alongside the victims’ vehicle.
Franco-Flores got out of the SUV and immediately assaulted the male victim, while the two women proceeded to assault the female victim.
San Andres got out of the SUV, and both he and Franco-Flores opened fire with handguns. The male victim retrieved a handgun from his car and returned fire.
The four occupants of the SUV then drove off, leaving the male victim wounded in the parking lot. An ambulance took him to Reading Hospital, where he was last reported to be in stable condition.
The baby was not injured…
WFMZ-TV 69 News Staff, “2 men charged in shooting on hotel parking lot in Spring,” WFMZ-TV, April 13, 2021.
Beech Grove, IN, April 17, 2021 (WTHR.com)
Police were called to the Walmart store in Beech Grove this afternoon after shots were fired. The store is located at 4650 S. Emerson Ave. which is just south of I-465.
IMPD said it started with a scuffle over shoplifting. A park ranger was working his off-duty job for security at Walmart. He called for other officers when the suspect resisted and police were already responding when things escalated.
According to IMPD, the suspect pulled out a gun and aimed it at the park ranger. That’s when a good Samaritan in the store, who was licensed to carry, pulled out his gun and started firing at the suspect…
The suspect then ran from the store, where he was later tackled by another good Samaritan outside and held until police arrived…
WTHR.com staff, “Police: Man licensed to carry fired shots at armed shoplifter in Beech Grove Walmart,” WTHR.com, April 17, 2021.
Vancouver, WA, April 17, 2021 (The Associated Press)
The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office won’t file criminal charges against a contract newspaper carrier who fatally shot a man last month in Vancouver, Washington.
The Columbian reports authorities say the man who was killed, identified as 29-year-old Kin K. Bossy, had been attempting to steal the carrier’s car April 17 at The Waterfront Vancouver when he was shot multiple times.
The independent contractor newspaper carrier for The Columbian, identified by police as 35-year-old Justyn Vallandingham, fired at Bossy after finding him inside his vehicle.
In a letter Thursday to a Vancouver police detective, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Jeff McCarty wrote that Bossy appeared to be committing a felony offense against Vallandingham, who feared imminent danger or death.
Vallandingham — who has a concealed pistol license —told police he saw Bossy turn toward the center console of his car and feared he was trying to grab a weapon, so he fired at him…
The Associated Press Staff, “Prosecutor: Paper carrier acted in self-defense in shooting,” The Associated Press, May 7, 2021.
Houston, TX, April 17, 2021 (ABC13 Houston)
It happened around 11:00 p.m. in the 11700 block of Veterans Memorial near Milroy at the Palace Inn motel.
The break-in was thwarted by the owner when he came out to confront the man, Harris County sheriff’s deputies said. Words were exchanged between the two before the owner opened fire on the suspect…
ABC13 Houston Staff, “Car theft suspect shot by owner outside NW Harris County motel,” ABC13 Houston, April 19, 2021.
Atlanta, GA, April 19, 2021 (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
The incident, which sent one of the men to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg, happened at the Springhill Suites in the 3400 block of Lenox Road, Atlanta police said in a statement.
According to police, a 28-year-old man was at the hotel to meet a woman about 10 p.m. While he was there, a 47-year-old man and another unidentified man approached him in the lobby. Police said the interaction was about the woman, but did not provide specifics.
The 28-year-old then walked out to the parking lot and the unidentified man shot at him, police said. The 28-year-old ran away, and the two other men got into a car and followed him.
More shots were aimed at the 28-year-old as he ran from the car. At some point, he shot back…
Asia Simone Burns, “Man injured in gunfire exchange in Buckhead hotel parking lot,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 20, 2021.
Roswell, NM, April 25, 2021 (KRQE)
Roswell police are investigating a deadly early morning shooting outside a convenience store. Police report the incident took place around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, outside the Allsup’s off North Main Street and Country Club Road.
Authorities say the store was closed to customers, however, an employee had been working inside the store. The Roswell Police Department reports a male employee had gone outside and was inside his vehicle taking a break when a man pulled up in a vehicle and approached the store employee…
According to RPD, investigators believe Miller was intoxicated and he then returned to his vehicle to grab a handgun of his own and again confronted the store employee who had exited his vehicle. The men, who were each reportedly armed, eventually agreed to put the guns away in their waistbands.
However, authorities say Miller reportedly told the store employee he wanted him to give him his gun. Miller reported began reaching for his own gun in his waistband and the store employee later told investigators he feared for his life as Miller reached for his own gun.
RPD reports the employee drew his gun and shot Miller once in the chest. Police say a woman who arrived in the parking lot intending to go to the store called police. Miller died at the scene.
The store clerk was taken to the police station and interviewed by a detective before being released…
KRQE Staff, “Police investigate homicide at Roswell Allsup’s,” KRQE, April 25, 2021.
Alexandria, LA, April 25, 2021 (The Bogalusa Daily News)
According to eyewitness testimony, evidence collected from the scene, and an investigation, it was determined that Williams was reportedly driving his vehicle with a trailer attached on Lee Road when he drove too close to an oncoming vehicle, striking and breaking the side mirror of the oncoming vehicle.
After knocking off the mirror, Williams stopped his vehicle, verbally confronted the occupants of the victim vehicle and then retreated to his truck and retrieved his pistol, Haley said. According to eyewitness testimony, Williams began firing at the occupants of the victim vehicle with his pistol.
“The victim occupant retrieved his own weapon and returned gunfire in self-defense,” Haley said. “Williams then fled while the victims remained on the scene to speak with responding deputies. Officers responding to the scene conducted an initial investigation and then referred the incident to detectives.” …
The Bogalusa Daily News Staff, “Sheriff: Parish man arrested after gunfire exchange during ‘road rage’,” The Bogalusa Daily News, April 30, 2021.
Goose Creek, SC, April 25, 2021 (Count on 2)
Capt. James Brown with the Goose Creek Police Department said the four individuals were leaving the Royal Lanes Bowling Alley around 10:00 p.m. when they were approached by four suspects who robbed them at gunpoint.
When one of the victims attempted to run away, Capt. Brown said one of the suspects shot at them with his handgun and struck the victim multiple times.
The victim returned fire with his own handgun and all four suspects jumped back into their vehicle – a red sedan – and drove away from the bowling alley…
Tim Renaud, “Police: Four robbed at gunpoint while leaving Goose Creek bowling alley late Sunday night,” Count on 2, April 26, 2021.
Reno, NV, April 28, 2021 (News 4 & Fox 11)
Two people died after a shooting at a bar in north Reno last April. The Reno Police Department confirmed on May 11 that the shooter acted in self-defense, and no arrests will be made of them.
Officers with the Reno Police Department responded to the Mixer Bar on the 2900 block of Clear Acre Lane on the report of a shooting on April 28…
Officers say the shooter was located on the scene but not arrested at the time.
Daniel Jones, the owner of Mixers, said that the shooting escalated from a fender bender altercation. The two people who died had been inside the business and had closed their tab and when leaving in their car is when the altercation began, said Jones…
Jones made it clear to News 4 that this shooting did not happen inside the bar, but in the strip mall’s parking lot…
News 4 & Fox 11 Digital Staff, “Police deem deadly shooting at Reno bar act of self defense,” News 4 & Fox 11, April 29, 2021.
Tucson, AZ, April 28, 2021 (Tucson.com; KVOA)
A man has died after sustaining gunshot trauma on the south side of Tucson on Wednesday…
Officers were called to a shooting in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, in the 1700 block of West Valencia Road, just after 7:30 p.m. and located a man with gunshot wounds. Despite first aid, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified him as Juan Carlos Velderrain, 32.
Detectives determined that Velderrain was physically assaulting his girlfriend in the bank’s parking lot before the shooting. The woman managed to get away from Velderrain and approached a bystander for help. The woman got into the bystander’s vehicle as Velderrain verbally confronted them, police said.
During the confrontation, the bystander, an adult male, pulled a handgun and shot Velderrain, police said…
The bystander was interviewed by police at the scene and no arrests have been made…
Meleny Gradillas, “One dead after shooting on south side,” KVOA, April 28, 2021.
Kelly Presnell, “Tucson police: Bystander shoots, kills man assaulting woman in parking lot,” Tucson.com, April 30, 2021.
Ardmore, OK, April 30, 2021 (KXII)
It happened around 8 p.m. Friday at the Highest Choice dispensary on Grand Avenue and H Street in Ardmore.
Police say the suspect went inside armed with a handgun, and the employee got out a gun.
They say shots were fired and the suspect was shot and died on scene…
KXII Staff, “Suspect in Ardmore dispensary robbery shot dead,” KXII, April 30, 2021.
Oklahoma City, OK, April 30, 2021 (News On 6)
A good Samaritan helped Oklahoma City police track down a suspected armed robber. Police said Christopher Parker, 19, was arrested shortly after he held up a business near Northwest 63rd Street and Meridian Avenue last week. Investigators continued to look for Parker’s accomplice…
Near the end of the day last Friday, the owner of Flash Auto Repair and his employee were confronted by an unwelcome guest. Parker was caught on a security camera approaching the business from a neighborhood to the west.
He ran into the garage and allegedly demanded money and pistol whipped the owner.
“The victim’s actually thought it wasn’t a real gun and while they complied with the demands, the suspect shot multiple times into the air,” said Sgt. Megan Morgan, Oklahoma City Police Department.
Scared for his life, the employee ran to another business for help. The owner went for his gun and ran after Parker. The owner said he fired back at Parker but missed the teen as he sprinted back to the neighborhood where his getaway driver was parked…
Jennifer Pierce, “NW OKC Business Owner Shoots At Suspect After Armed Robbery, Pistol Whipped,” News On 6, May 4, 2021.
The post Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 17 Cases During April 2021 appeared first on Crime Prevention Research Center.
