Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 24 Cases During February 2022
Philadelphia, PA, February 1, 2022 (Fox News)
The shootout unfolded just before 4 a.m. in a convenience store on the 5500 block of Torresdale Avenue in the city’s Wissinoming neighborhood, the Philadelphia Police Department said.
The 32-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, was standing with her manager behind the store counter when two Black males walked in and attempted to get behind the counter, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told FOX29 Philadelphia.
“We believe that’s where they were going to commit this robbery,” Small said. “And that’s when there was clearly a shootout between at least one of the perpetrators and the female store clerk who tragically was shot several times.”
The woman suffered three gunshot wounds to her groin and one to her right hip, police said. She was able to return fire, according to Small, striking at least one of the suspects…
“She was a brave, young woman involved in a shootout with two males that were armed with guns,” Small told WPVI-TV. “She stood her ground. We’re hoping for the best for her.”…
Suffolk, VA, February 3, 2022 (WAVY)
Police said they were investigating the armed robbery at EZ Food Mart and Deli in the 1200 block of White Marsh Road…
Police said two males entered the store, both displaying firearms. They demanded money and discharged one round into the ceiling.
One of them then took the cash register from the clerk.
A second employee then exited a back room with a firearm and interacted with the two males.
They exchanged gunfire, but no injuries were reported…
Birmingham, AL, February 5, 2022 (WVTM13, AL.com)
A Center Point teenager was shot and killed by a parking lot attendant on Saturday after an alleged robbery attempt near the BJCC, Birmingham police said…
Charging documents state both Guest and Young were armed with guns when they tried to rob the victim, who then fired on the suspects, killing Guest and wounding Young. Guest’s death has been ruled justified, police said, and the shooter won’t be charged…
Linda Grantin, “Center Point teen shot, killed during alleged robbery attempt near BJCC,” WVTM13, February 6, 2022.
Carol Robinson, “Alleged accomplice charged in death of teen robbery suspect fatally shot by parking lot attendant near Birmingham’s BJCC,” AL.com, February 11, 2022.
Snellville, GA, February 5, 2022 (Gwinnett Daily Post)
Gwinnett County police said Darius Bush, 22, shot and killed Avery Nowlin, also 22, during an altercation on Golfe Links Drive. Officers were called to the scene shortly after 6:45 p.m.
Police Officer Senior Hideshi Valle said Bush was sitting in his car, which was in the parking lot of a residential area, when Nowlin approached the vehicle while carrying a weapon.
“Moments later, a physical altercation was initiated by Avery,” Valle said. “Bush, fearing for his life, discharged his firearm, striking Nowlin. At this time, Bush is not being charged with any crimes.”…
Valle said police are currently treating the shooting as a case of self defense. The police spokeswoman said Georgia law states, “a person is justified in threatening or using force against another when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes that such threat or force is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against such other’s imminent use of unlawful force.”
Bowie, MD, February 8, 2022 (Fox News)
The victim of an armed robbery on Tuesday evening in Bowie, Maryland, allegedly shot a teenage attacker in self-defense, authorities said Wednesday.
Police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a senior center located on the 14900 block of Health Center Drive, Bowie Police Chief John Nesky said during a press conference.
Four suspects between the ages of 15 and 17 drove to the senior center, armed with handguns, and staked out potential victims, police said.
Once they approached the victim in question and demanded his personal belongings, however, their plan backfired. The victim discharged his registered weapon in what police believe to be self-defense, striking one 17-year-old robbery suspect…
Bakersfield, CA, February 10, 2022 (KGET.com)
Around 8 p.m. on Thursday, police were dispatched to Zephyr Lane near Workman Street for a shooting, according to BPD. When officers arrived, the man who reported the incident told officers he was armed and had a license to carry a concealed firearm. He also told officers he just shot a man who pointed a handgun at him…
The police determined the man had called 911 when he saw a brush fire near the intersection of Zephyr Lane near Workman Street, according to police. When contacting emergency crews, Camacho started throwing full bottles of beer at the man then pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the man. The man pulled out his own gun and shot Camacho in the leg, who ran away and dropped his nearby…
The man who shot Camacho stayed at the scene and waited for police to arrive, according to BPD. He was interviewed and released without charge…
Pensacola, FL, February 10, 2022 (WEAR-TV)
Escambia County deputies say they responded to a shots fired call on Maxwell St. at 10 p.m…
When deputies searched the area, Knight was found barely conscious on the intersections of G and Bobe St. He was transported to local hospital where he later died.
According to an arrest report, a witness spoke to an investigator and stated that the three men had a long term “beef” with the man who was alone.
A witness claimed that the three men had threatened the lone man earlier in the day, firing a warning shot before leaving in a vehicle, according to an arrest report.
Surveillance video shows the three men outside the convenience store shooting at the lone man as he walks out the store, according to an arrest report. The lone man flees back to the store and returns fire.
Deputies determined in an arrest report that the lone man was in his right to defend himself. He was interviewed by the sheriff’s office and stated that he was acting in self defense against Knight, Flowers, and Burleson…
WEAR Staff, “20-year-old man found shot dead in Escambia County,” WEAR-TV, February 10, 2022.
Kai Davis, “Two men charged with attempted homicide for G St. shooting in Escambia County,” WEAR-TV, February 28, 2022.
Maple Falls, WA, February 10, 2022 (The Police Tribune, The News Tribune)
According to Friday’s news release, deputies were sent at 4:17 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, to the 3000 block of Green Valley Drive in Peaceful Valley for a report of shots fired, after a caller told 911 that a neighbor was outside shooting his 12-gauge shotgun in the air. Additional callers gave the specific address and reported two people were shooting at each other from two houses.
Deputies arrived at approximately 4:40 p.m., according to Friday’s release, and said that a man, later identified as Young, was yelling at them and waving the shotgun around. Deputies established probable cause to arrest Young for felony harassment and reported noting that Young appeared to be intoxicated due to his speech and actions…
Young yelled at the deputies and then fired on them.
The first deputy was hit in the head and dropped to the ground.
The second deputy stepped forward and returned fire in an effort to protect the deputy who had already been shot…
Police said that was when good Samaritans armed with their own weapons stepped forward and fired multiple shots in the direction of Young to provide cover for and protect the wounded deputies, the Bellingham Herald reported.
The good Samaritans told KING that they were military veterans and they weren’t going to sit still and watch law enforcement officers be murdered so they took their children inside their homes and came back out with their own guns…
The sheriff wrote that … “Second, we are extraordinarily blessed that several armed citizens came to the deputies’ assistance at the critical moments when they were most vulnerable,” the sheriff continued. “I have contacted all three of the good Samaritans and expressed appreciation on behalf of myself and all members of law enforcement and their families. There will be a more formal recognition of these humble citizen heroes once more details of their actions can be released.”
Sandy Malone, “Armed Good Samaritans Provided Cover Fire, Rescue Wounded Deputies,” The Police Tribune, February 14, 2022.
Denver Pratt and David Rasbach, “Bail set at $5 million for Whatcom attempted murder suspect who allegedly shot 2 deputies,” The News Tribune, February 12, 2022.
Pueblo, CO, February 11, 2022 (Idaho Statesman)
Pueblo police responded to the 3:15 p.m. Mountain time incident Friday, Feb. 11, at a Jack in the Box on U.S. Highway 50, the department said in a news release.
A man inside the restaurant began attacking his girlfriend, and several employees tried to intervene, police reported.
One worker shot the man “when the situation escalated,” police said. He was hospitalized in critical condition but expected to survive…
No charges have been filed.
Miramar, FL, February 14, 2022 (CBS Miami)
Haunting surveillance video released by Miramar police from a robbery gone bad back on Valentine’s Day…
Miramar PD say the two 16-year-old boys and their 17 year-old friend were stalking their prey, an adult victim, minding his own business watching YouTube videos on a gazebo outside…
In the gazebo, where the victim was watching those YouTube videos, you can clearly see one of the boys, in all white, with a gun in hand…
The man the boys were trying to rob turns from prey to predator, pulling a weapon, which he was licensed to carry.
In the dark of night, you clearly see one muzzle flash and then another muzzle flash, as the victim unloads two shots. Police say one of the two hit 16-year-old Azarya Murphy in the back of the head killing him.
Police say one of the boys had turned the weapon back in the victim’s direction when those fateful shots were fired, ending the life of teenager Azarya Murphy, which had barely just begun.
Menlo Park, CA, February 14, 2022 (NBC Bay Area)
In the video you can see the moment in which three suspects, in a gold-colored SUV, park in front of the Plaza Jewelers jewelry store located in an unincorporated area of Redwood City.
San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident at 5:50 p.m. and upon arrival, learned that the suspects entered the store, showed firearms and demanded money and jewelry.
“In that moment, you get scared but you have to act and defend what’s yours,” said the store owner’s husband, Alfonso Ángulo.
He said the suspects pointed their guns at him and customers, shouting to get on the floor, demanding jewels and cash.
But Álfonso pulled out his own revolver and fired back, catching them off guard as they sprinted out of the store and took off…
“if we didn’t have a gun, they would’ve taken everything,” said Ángulo…
Las Vegas, NV, February 15, 2022 (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Police said Patterson approached the owner of Topaz Market, at 2570 E Tropicana Ave., around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday and started hitting the man in the face. The owner fired two shots in the air, which he told police were not intended to hit anyone.
Video from the area showed Patterson started to run away and hid behind a vehicle before firing about six rounds at the owner. The owner returned fire, striking Patterson in the leg…
Philadelphia, PA, February 18, 2022 (6 ABC)
It happened in the 6100 block of Ogontz Avenue at 7:14 a.m.
Police say the dog was mauling a small child when a man fired his gun at the animal…
The man who fired the gun had a permit to carry, police say, and will not be charged…
Dwayne Patrick was driving by and saw the dog attack. He says he took his legally owned gun, which is licensed, and shot the attacking animal.
“I caught the attack on camera. I immediately took action, jumped out, told everybody to move, and discharged my firearm,” said Patrick. “There were a lot of people out there. They were beating the dogs shooting with a paintball gun, trying to do everything to get the dog off the child, but there was nothing no one could do.”…
Philadelphia, PA, February 19, 2022 (CBS Philly)
Philadelphia Police say a driver shot and killed a man in Kensington who was trying to get into that driver’s car. It happened just before 1 a.m. on Saturday at Kensington and Albert Streets.
Investigators say a man went up to the driver’s passenger door and opened it. After a brief conversation, the door closed as the shooter drove off.
When the man tried to open the door again, police say the driver shot him…
No arrests or charges have been announced.
Jackson, MS, February 19, 2022 (WJTV)
Two people were shot during an armed robbery in Jackson on Saturday, February 19.
Jackson police said someone wearing a ski mask approached brothers Demarcus Jackson and Maurice Taylor, 21, while they were in a car on Valencia Street. The person wearing a mask used a gun to demand money from them.
According to police, Jackson shot the person in the mask in the left eye to prevent the robbery. The person in the mask then shot Taylor.
Police later identified the person in the mask as 17-year-old Kevin Lewis. He was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and is in stable condition. He will be charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle.
Rachel Hernandez, “Two shot during armed robbery in Jackson,” WJTV, February 20, 2022.
Portland, OR, February 19, 2022 (New York Post, Oregon Public Broadcasting)
The suspect in a weekend shooting that left one woman dead and four people wounded during a protest in Portland, Oregon, faces several charges, including murder, prosecutors said Tuesday.
The shooting unfolded Saturday night after Benjamin Smith, described by police as an homeowner, allegedly confronted a group of demonstrators who were protesting the killing of Amir Locke by Minneapolis police, authorities said…
“Several participants asked Smith to leave them alone. Moments later, Smith drew a firearm and fired at the crowd, striking five people,” the DA’s office said in the news release…
The shooting ended when a person with the group of demonstrators shot Smith in the “hip area,” critically wounding him. Law enforcement originally detained that person on charges of first degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, both felonies. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office ultimately decided to bring “no complaint” against the person “based upon our review of facts and evidence.”
OPB has chosen not to name the person because they have not been charged with a crime, and they did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Court records show the person is licensed to conceal carry a firearm…
Jennifer Henderson and Michelle Watson, “Suspect in deadly shooting during weekend protest in Portland faces several charges, including murder,” CNN, February 23, 2022.
Conrad Wilson and Ryan Haas, “Multnomah County prosecutor charges suspected park shooter with murder,” Oregon Public Broadcasting, February 22, 2022.
Dumas, AR, February 19, 2022 (THV11)
According to Arkansas State Police (ASP), officers are investigating a homicide that took place northeast of Dumas early Saturday afternoon.
Police say a shooting incident took the life of 40-year-old Travis Edward Ward.
A suspect in the shooting has been questioned and released while the investigation continues.
Police say the suspect, who was an acquaintance of Ward’s and lived nearby, was outside clearing brush when Ward reportedly charged town the suspect wielding a knife.
The Desha County Sheriff’s Office reported to ASP that Ward had repeatedly made threats about killing the suspect during the week prior…
THV11 Digital Staff, “Police: One dead after shooting near Dumas,” THV11, February 20, 2022.
Des Moines, IA, February 20, 2022 (KCCI)
Police say they were shot at the 100 block of Water Street, just west of the Des Moines River.
The victims told police somebody in a car driving by shot them, and a friend who was with them shot back.
The person that shot back is uninjured and continues to cooperate with investigators…
Dallas, TX, February 21, 2022 (WFAA)
Based on preliminary information, officers responded to a shooting in the 3000 block of Canton Street, near South Malcolm X Boulevard.
A business owner was asleep inside his own business, according to an officer on the scene.
The officer said two men kicked in the door and went inside, and the business owner shot one of the men. That man was transported to the hospital in critical condition…
Miramar, FL, February 22, 2022 (WSVN)
The attempted robbery occurred along Island Road and Pembroke Road, just after 8 p.m., Tuesday…
Someone who knows the victim told 7News the suspect went behind the counter and beat up the clerk before the clerk was able to grab a gun and shoot the attacker…
Wichita Falls, TX, February 25, 2022 (Wichita Falls Times Record News)
Shortly before 5 a.m., police responded to a report of gunfire in the 2700 block of Ridgeway on the city’s northside.
Officers found four juveniles and one man at the scene. The man told police he caught the juveniles breaking into his vehicle and approached them with a firearm.
The man said he slipped and fell on some ice. During a physical altercation with one of the juveniles, the firearm discharged striking them…
The man was interviewed and released.
Oakland, CA, February 25, 2022 (East Bay Times)
According to police, the man who owned the vehicle was rousted by noise on the 200 block of Jayne Avenue, went outside, and confronted the suspect with a shotgun.
Oakland police Officer Hector Jiminez said the suspect pointed a gun at the man. The car’s owner responded by shooting…
Melbourne, FL, February 27, 2022 (Click Orlando)
According to police, the first shooting happened just before 2 a.m. in the 3300 block of Testimony Street. Officers said a group of people were gathered on the when an unknown vehicle drove by and fired shots toward the group.
Investigators said one person in the group returned fire “with their legally carried handgun” as the vehicle drove off. Officers said several homes and vehicles were hit by gunfire…
Woodbridge, VA, February 27, 2022 (Potomac Local News)
A good Samaritan fired shots at an oncoming car that eventually hit a woman, and his son, following a melee at a Woodbridge commuter lot.
On Saturday, February 27 at 7:25 p.m., officers were called to report pedestrians struck at the Horner Road commuter lot, 13455 Telegraph Road in Woodbridge.
A 27-year-old woman who was choked during a domestic abuse situation that occurred inside a car parked in the commuter lot could free herself and her 5-year-old daughter and flee to another car parked nearby.
A 57-year-old man, and his children, ages 16, 8, 5, and 15-months, were inside the car. The man and his son, 16, got out to help the woman and her child, police said.
At that point, the suspect who choked the woman circled his car around the parking lot and sped toward the victim and the good Samaritans, police said.
The 57-year-old man pulled a gun and fired multiple rounds towards the oncoming vehicle as the car sped toward them, striking the car once.
The suspect slammed into the good Samaritan’s car, with the 8-year-old boy, 5-year-old girl, and 15-month-old girl, still inside, causing significant damage. The suspect struck the woman he had been choking, and the 16- year-old male good Samaritan, police said.
The driver sped away, exiting the commuter lot and onto Interstate 95, police said…
The good Samaritan possessed his weapon legally and will not be charged, police added.
