Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 25 Cases During December 2022


Phoenix, AZ, December 2, 2022 (Fox 10 Phoenix)

An argument in a neighborhood near Bell Road and 32nd Street ended with a man being shot and killed on Friday, Phoenix police said.

Investigators say the shooter was defending himself when he killed 45-year-old Jorge Rodriguez, and he was not arrested.

The incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 after Rodriguez reportedly began arguing with the suspect, who was working in the area at the time.

The suspect told police that Rodriguez took out a gun and pointed it at him.

“The suspect took out his own handgun and shot the victim,” police said…

Fox 10 Staff, “Suspect killed man in Phoenix neighborhood in self defense, police say,” Fox 10 Phoenix, December 4, 2022.

Chicago, IL, December 2, 2022 (CWB Chicago)

An insurance agent working late in his Rogers Park office shot a four-time felon who broke into his business last week, prosecutors said as they filed charges against the accused man on Thursday.

The victim was still working at 1:45 a.m. on December 2 when he grabbed his gun to investigate a loud banging noise at the back door of his office in the 1900 block of West Howard. He encountered a man he did not recognize and fired several shots, officials said, and the burglar ran out the back door, which had been removed from its hinges…

CWB Chicago Staff, “Rogers Park business owner shot intruder while working late, prosecutors say,” CWB Chicago, December 8, 2022.

Warner Robbins, GA, December 5, 2022 (13WMAZ)

Police say a Warner Robins restaurant employee who shot and killed an armed robber was acting in self-defense…

The call came in from the American Philly N Wings on Watson Boulevard. Police say 23-year-old Joshua Hickey tried to rob the place…

Sergeant Justin Clark with Warner Robins Police says Hickey jumped the counter and attempted to make his way to a door in the restaurant while demanding money. That’s when things escalated, Hickey allegedly pistol-whipped a worker and the two men fought over the gun…

“The restaurant worker was struck, hit the ground. As he was coming back up, he drew his own legally-owned firearm and fired three shots at Mr. Hickey. Mr. Hickey was struck twice and fled on foot,” Clark said about the tussle…

Caleesha Moore, “Warner Robins police say restaurant worker shot, killed armed robber in self-defense,” 13WMAZ, December 6, 2022.

Chicago, IL, December 5, 2022 (Fox 32 Chicago)

The 56-year-old man was inside his vehicle just before 6 a.m. in the 4700 block of West Arthington Street when a car with three teens inside pulled up, according to Chicago police.

One of teens got out of the car and pointed a gun at the victim while demanding his belongings, police said.

A struggle ensued and the victim, who is a FOID and concealed carry license holder, pulled out his gun and started shooting police said…

The concealed carry holder was not injured during the incident…

FOX 32 Digital Staff, “Concealed carry holder shoots 2 during attempted robbery on Chicago’s West Side,” Fox 32 Chicago, December 5, 2022.

Ludlow, KY, December 5, 2022 (Local 12)

Around 4:30 a.m. neighbors on Elm Street woke up to police taking pictures and gathering evidence…

Police responded to the area for car break-ins when they found a man bleeding from his neck. Police have identified the man who was shot and taken to the hospital as Damon Hammons. Officers say the man who fired the shot is not facing charges…

Police are looking for fingerprints on the cars that were broken into to see if they match Hammons’…

Courtney Wheaton, “Police investigate early morning shooting in Ludlow,” Local 12, December 5, 2022.

Birmingham, AL, December 8, 2022 (ABC 3340)

The fatal shooting of two men at an Eastlake gas station last week was ruled justifiable by authorities.

The Birmingham Police Department said Tobias Mckinstry and Timmeric Bryant were killed Thursday, December 8 in the 8300 Block of 1st Avenue North.

Police said the preliminary investigation revealed that McKinstry was involved in an argument with a third person surrounding his car being stolen earlier and being observed at the location.

Police said evidence gathered during the investigation revealed McKinstry entered the gas station brandishing a shotgun. The gas station had patrons inside. Police said one of the patrons pulled out a firearm and fired shots in McKinstry’s direction, striking him along with Bryant, who was at the gas station accompanying the third party involved in the original argument…

Police said investigators presented the information gathered to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office for review. Following the assessment, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office ruled the actions justifiable.

Sumner Harrell, “Fatal shooting of two men at East Lake gas station ruled ‘justifiable’,” ABC 3340, December 16, 2022.

Tempe, AZ, December 10, 2022 (ABC 15 Arizona)

A man is in critical condition after being shot a little before 2 a.m. Saturday morning near the intersection of 6th Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe.

Tempe police say the man was seen trying to enter several parked cars along the street. He then approached a car with people in it and forced his way inside the vehicle.

Once inside the vehicle, an altercation occurred between the man and the driver, then the driver pulled out a gun and shot the man.

The driver/shooter remained at the scene and reportedly cooperated with the police….

ABC 15 Arizona Staff, “Man shot near 6th Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe,” ABC 15 Arizona, December 10, 2022.

Chicago, IL, December 10, 2022 (ABC 7 Chicago)

A concealed carry holder shot two offenders during a possible attempted car theft early Saturday morning, Chicago police said…

A 31-year-old man was walking toward his parked vehicle in the Loop’s 0-100 block of West Randolph Street at about 3:37 a.m., police said. A red SUV passed him, and someone fired shots in his direction.

The victim, who holds a FOID card and concealed carry license, took out his gun and fired several rounds, police said. The SUV then fled the scene. The victim, who was not injured, saw someone get out of his parked vehicle and run away…

Evelyn Holmes and ABC 7 Chicago Digital Team, “Chicago shooting: Concealed carry holder shoots 2 men during possible car theft attempt, police say,” ABC 7 Chicago, December 10, 2022.

Sherwood, OR, December 11, 2022 (KATU)

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened Sunday night shortly before 8 p.m. Cody Buyas, 36, of Beavercreek, was “stalking an ex-girlfriend at her home” when family members found him outside, according to investigators.

During the confrontation, deputies say Buyas showed that he had a weapon, and a family member fired multiple shots.

The family members involved are cooperating with the investigation, which is still ongoing, police said. No one has been arrested in the case…

KATU Staff, “Stalking suspect shot by ex-girlfriend’s family member outside her home, authorities say,” KATU, December 13, 2022.

Port St. John, FL, December 11, 2022 (Click Orlando)

The fatal shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. at the McDonald’s at 6857 North Highway 1.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the restaurant and found a man in the parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound. The man, later identified by sheriff’s officials as Brandon Turner, 36, of Cocoa, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

A preliminary investigation shows that Turner walked up to a vehicle in the parking lot and attacked a driver who was eating his food in his car, the sheriff’s office said. Turner continued striking the driver during the unprovoked attack before the driver grabbed a gun in his vehicle and fired one shot, striking Turner, according to authorities…

Daniel Dahm, “Man shot, killed at Brevard McDonald’s after attacking driver over mistaken identity, deputies say,” Click Orlando, December 12, 2022.

Humble, TX, December 11, 2022 (Click 2 Houston)

A teenager is dead and another is injured after being shot while trying to rob a man in north Harris County Sunday, Harris County sheriff’s deputies.

According to Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman, the shooting took place in the 19800 block of Kenswick Drive around 5 p.m…

Harris County Sheriff’s Office homicide investigators who also responded to the scene said that it was determined both teens were attempting to rob a man who was exiting the convenience store at the location. Deputies said the man’s friend saw what was happening and came to his assistance, shooting both suspects.

Deputies said the man that was being robbed and his friend that helped him cooperated with investigators.

No charges are being filed at this time and the case will be referred over to a grand jury upon its conclusion, HCSO said.

Moriah Ballard and Erica Ponder, “1 teen killed, another injured after trying to rob man while he was leaving store in north Harris County: HCSO,” Click 2 Houston, December 11, 2022.

Eastpointe, MI, December 13, 2022 (Fox 2 Detroit)

According to police, Currie and at least one other suspect tried to steal a 2022 Dodge Charger Hellcat from a man as he was parking it in his driveway on Hayes Street around 12:30 Tuesday morning.

But the car’s owner had a CPL and fought back to protect his property. The suspects and owner shot at each other before the suspect drove away in a stolen Chevy Impala…

Fox 2 Staff, “Man tries to carjack Charger Hellcat, gets shot by owner – police say,” Fox 2 Detroit, December 15, 2022.

Chandler, AZ, December 14, 2022 (Arizona’s Family)

According to Chandler Police Sgt. Jason McClimans, Jacob Murphy had jealousy issues over his girlfriend and went to the Amazon Fulfillment Center on the southeast corner of McQueen and Queen Creek roads on Wednesday. However, the woman wasn’t working that day, and Murphy planned to confront an Amazon worker he only knew by name. That’s when another man, who didn’t know Murphy, felt something was off about Murphy and tried to get him to leave the parking lot. That’s when Murphy shot the victim multiple times, McClimans said.

An unidentified third man saw the shooting and opened fire on Murphy. Between the two shooters, 10 rounds were fired, McClimans said. When first responders arrived, Murphy was dead. McClimans confirmed on Friday he died due to shooting himself and being shot by the third man. Initially, detectives weren’t sure how Murphy died. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he remains as of Friday afternoon. He’s expected to survive, McClimans said. His name hasn’t been released…

David Baker, “PD: Suspect in deadly shooting went to Chandler Amazon facility due to jealousy over girlfriend,” Arizona’s Family, December 16, 2022.

Chicago Ridge, IL, December 15, 2022 (WGNTV, CBS News)

Two people were shot outside a Buffalo Wild Wings in Chicago Ridge Thursday night…

According to police, three people approached a man and his girlfriend and attempted to get into their car. The man, a concealed carry permit holder, fired shots at them.

One of the people who approached the couple was arrested and charged with battery, according to police.

After an investigation, police said no charges would be filed in connection with the shots fired.

Neshmia Malik and Andrew Smith, “Two shot at Buffalo Wild Wings in Chicago Ridge,” WGNTV, December 16, 2022.
Elyssa Kaufman, “Shots fired outside Buffalo Wild Wings at Chicago Ridge Mall,” CBS News, December 16, 2022.

Rockford, IL, December 17, 2022 (Mystateline.com)

According to Rockford Police, around 12:25 a.m. suspects of a gray sedan robbed the driver of a blue SUV at the gas station, located at 2211 Charles Street.

A female passenger of the SUV got out and fired toward the robbers, and then both vehicles fled the area, police said…

John Clark, “Woman shoots, wounds robbery suspect at Rockford Stop-N-Go,” Mystateline.com, December 19, 2022.

Elkrun Township, OH, December 17, 2022 (WFMJ)

The Sheriff says deputies found that the man, later identified as Robert Harris, and a woman were arguing in a Jeep when another man drove up in a truck to pick up the woman.

Deputies say the man who showed up had a two-year-old child with him and that he put the child in the house with his wife before attempting to leave and take the woman back home.

The Sheriff says the Jeep began ramming the pickup truck until it was run off the road into a wooded area, and both men pulled guns and exchanged gunfire.

Deputies say Harris fired shots first, with the passerby returning fire, hitting Harris in the torso multiple times, killing him. The driver of the pickup truck wasn’t injured.

At this time, deputies say no charges are expected to be filed against the passerby due to the act being viewed as self-defense…

Mike Gauntner and Zach Mosca, “UPDATE: Deputies believe shooting in Elkrun Township was self-defense, no charges expected,” WFMJ, December 19, 2022.

Tucson, AZ, December 18, 2022 (KVOA)

A shooting at a bar on Tucson’s west side Sunday was initially reported by multiple media outlets as a “bar fight”, but Famous Sam’s owner Mark Rhude said it was a much different situation that could have been more serious.

Speaking exclusively with News 4 Tucson, Rhude said it was an active shooter situation stopped short by a heroic customer with a gun.

Rhude wasn’t at work at the time but based on his staff’s account of what happened he said a man at the bar began hurling racial slurs and talking about violence…

Staff was able to get the man to leave but about an hour or so later, just after 6 p.m. on Sunday, the man returned with a rifle and fired a shot into the ceiling…

But then two customers stepped in to try and convince him to drop the weapon. One of those customers was armed with a gun of their own.

“He [the customer] then said drop your gun to the bad guy three times and bad guy wouldn’t and he leveled it right at the guy and our customer here, he shot him, apparently three times,” Rhude said…

Rhude doesn’t encourage people to bring guns into his business but said he’s thankful the customer was there.

“He was a hero and I appreciate what he did because he saved you know other customers and our employees, so yeah unfortunate situation but he did good,” Rhude explained.

Chorus Nylander, “Tucson bar owner says shooting was self-defense against armed man,” KVOA, December 19, 2022.

Conway, SC, December 22, 2022 (WMBF)

Police were called to the Waffle House along Highway 544 near Singleton Ridge Road for an assault with possible shots fired.

Officers interviewed the employee along with several other witnesses who said that two men ran inside and jumped over the counter.

One of the men hit the worker from behind by punching him in the head and pushing him into some objects, while the other man stood by while holding a gun, the report states.

The incident report went on to show that the employee armed himself with his gun and ran the two men off.

When the victim got to the doorway the two men opened fire and the victim returned fire, the report states.

WMBF News Staff, “Report: Waffle House employee in Conway area fights off intruders with his own gun,” WMBF, December 29, 2022.

Detroit, MI, December 26, 2022 (FOX 2)

Police said the truck driver was meeting with the suspect to buy a junk car in the area of 7 Mile and Kelly when he was ambushed around 9:35 a.m. The driver, who is a CPL holder, pulled out a gun and fatally shot the suspect.

While the shooting remains under investigation, Detroit police said it appears it was self-defense.

Jessica Dupnack and Amber Ainsworth, “Suspect shot, killed while trying to rob Detroit tow truck driver who has CPL,” FOX 2, December 26, 2022.

Buffalo, NY, December 26, 2022 (New York Post)

A Buffalo looter made off with nothing but his life after a man took up arms to defend his neighborhood.

The ransacker had tried to break into one of the Pine Hill storefronts on Bailey Avenue when the civil soldier chased the would-be thief away, according to shocking video posted on Twitter Monday.

The clips show a group of people, some carrying brooms and sticks, running through the Skys the Limit Hair & Beauty parking lot after the looter.

People can then be heard screaming as they realize one of the men is carrying a gun…

He fires off two shots at an off-camera target…

“That was one of the neighbors that probably had business in the area,” the manager, who asked to remain anonymous, speculated.

“As far as I know, he shot in the air to scare them off. Because I guess he was sick of them breaking into one of the businesses across the street or something. He just don’t want them to break anything anymore.”…

Katherine Donlevy, “Video shows local opening fire on looter in Buffalo blizzard,” New York Post, December 28, 2022.

Memphis, TN, December 27, 2022 (FOX 13 Memphis, Action News 5)

A man and woman were taken to a hospital in critical condition Tuesday after a shooting outside a restaurant at Poplar Avenue and International Place in East Memphis, police said…

The victim told the Memphis Police Department they were leaving Big Bad Breakfast trying to get in his car but had problems unlocking the door.

As he tried to open the door, he noticed a man getting out of another car with a handgun, said police.

MPD says the suspect began shooting at the victim, and the victim returned fire with his gun…

Daniel Wilkerson, “Couple gets in shootout with would-be car thieves outside East Memphis restaurant,” FOX 13 Memphis, December 27, 2022.
Jacob Gallant, “2 injured after shootout in East Memphis,” Action News 5, December 27, 2022.

Houston, TX, December 29, 2022 (ABC 13)

Houston Police Department officers responded to a shooting call at about 8:15 p.m. Thursday at the Family Dollar at 2714 Reed Road near Highway 288.

The mother came out to find the woman inside her car and confronted her to try to get her to leave, according to HPD.

When the woman refused to get out, the mother allegedly took out a pistol from her purse and shot her.

Police said that’s when the fight ended, and the woman got out of the car and walked into the store to seek help…

ABC 13 Staff, “Mom shoots stranger who broke into her car with her kids inside during Family Dollar run, HPD says,” ABC 13, December 30, 2022.

Houston, TX, December 29, 2022 (ABC 13)

Deputies believe a shooting that left someone injured in northwest Harris County took place during an attempted car burglary.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it has been investigating the shooting in the area of Highway 249/Tomball Parkway and Antoine Drive on Thursday night.

Investigators said a car’s owner was inside a check-cashing place when he saw someone driving away in his vehicle. The victim, who was armed, ran out and started shooting at the thief.

The suspect then took off across Highway 249 and ran right into a deputy, ABC13 learned. The suspect, who was shot in his leg, surrendered. The armed victim also put down his gun and put his hands up…

Jessica Willey, “Car owner opens fire at person trying to take vehicle, deputies say,” ABC 13, December 29, 2022.

Dallas, TX, December 30, 2022 (NBCDFW)

An attempted carjacking rattled nerves at a crowded shopping center on the edge of the Park Cities Friday night.

It was just before 6:30 that witnesses dining in Odelay near the Dallas North Tollway and Lovers Lane say several shots rang out…

Gleason, who has a permit to carry, said he pulled his gun as others fled towards the kitchen or dove under dining tables.

Outside, Dallas Police say three suspects attempted to carjack a man witnesses say had just left the restaurant.

Witnesses say another person, who police haven’t identified, shot one suspect…

Allie Spillyards, “Attempted Carjacking Turned Shooting Rattles Diners in Busy Shopping Center,” NBCDFW, December 30, 2022.

San Antonio, TX, December 31, 2022 (News 4 San Antonio)

The San Antonio Police Department says the shooting happened around 8 a.m. at a Walmart near Rigsby and Loop 410 on San Antonio’s Southeast Side.

According to authorities, a man was getting into his black truck when a suspect tried to hijack his vehicle. The victim pushed the suspect and took off from the parking lot.

That’s when the suspect started following the victim and began shooting at his truck on I-37. Police believe that both the victim and the suspect were shooting at each other.

The victim called for help on the interstate after he was shot in both of his legs. The victim tried to take himself to the hospital but the tire had been blown out. The suspect has yet to be found…

SBG San Antonio Staff, “Man gunned down after fleeing carjacking suspect,” News 4 San Antonio, December 31, 2022.

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