Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 28 Cases During February 2023
Hartford, Connecticut, February 2, 2023 (NBC Connecticut)
One suspect in an attempted armed robbery in East Hartford is dead after a store owner who was shot during the ordeal shot back, according to police.
Police said two people wearing black ski masks went into Humble & Paid Co. at 1285 Main St. just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday, intending to rob the business.
The store owner struggled with one of the suspects, who pulled out a firearm and the suspect shot the owner in the back, police said.
The owner returned fire with two of his legally registered firearms, striking one of the suspects several times, according to police…
The other suspect remains at large and ran out of the building during the initial struggle, police said.
Memphis, Tennessee, February 3, 2023 (Action News 5)
At midnight Friday, officers responded to a shots-fired call at the Exxon gas station at 2468 Elvis Presley Boulevard.
When officers arrived on the scene, the victim told police that he was there to get some gas. He said while he was sitting inside his car, a red 2019 Kia Forte drove up in front of his vehicle, with five men inside.
The victim told police that the suspects jumped out of the Kia and started firing at him, striking him on the side of the knee.
He said he then returned fire with his own handgun, and the suspects fled.
Police were able to detain all five. Four of the suspects are teenagers…
Yakima, Washington, February 5, 2023 (New York Post)
The 28-year-old father opened fire at the man who was “acting erratically” near him and his young child at Randall Park dog park in Yakima, police said.
The man who was killed, identified by police as 22-year-old Daniel Ortega of Yakima, “attempted to endanger the life of the small child with his words and actions,” police said.
Police said the 28-year-old father asked Ortega to leave his family alone as he tried to leave the park. His attempts to verbally de-escalate the situation failed and the man shot Ortega with a legally owned firearm, killing him, police said.
After police interviewed multiple witnesses, the 28-year-old man, who is also from Yakima, was discharged after cooperating with detectives, cops said…
El Paso, Texas, February 6, 2023 (KFOX 14)
The shooting took place at the DK convenience store at 5201 Fairbanks Drive around 12:28 p.m…
Investigators learned the suspect walked into the convenience store and demanded money and showed a weapon in his waistband, Gomez said.
The 28-year-old clerk, a conceal and carry holder, shot the man at least once, Gomez added…
Gomez said no charges are pending at the moment and the only person in custody is the suspect…
Baltimore, Maryland, February 7, 2023 (WMAR, Daily Voice)
Baltimore Police detectives determined a homicide last month was justified.
Joseph Garrison, 42, was fatally shot on February 7 in the 3900 block of Ridgecroft Road.
Further investigation into Garrison’s death revealed he tried robbing a man before being killed.
The 24-year-old victim Garrison was attempting to rob happened to be legally carrying a gun, and used it in self defense…
After being detained for questioning, investigators released him without charges…
WMAR Staff, “BPD: Robber killed by would-be victim legally carrying firearm,” WMAR, March 22, 2023.
Annie DeVoe, “Unknown Man Found Laying In Baltimore Street Dies From Injuries,” Daily Voice, February 8, 2023.
Detroit, Michigan, February 8, 2023 (FOX News)
A man who tried to rob another man at gunpoint outside a Michigan liquor store was shot in the chest by a concealed carry permit holder and eventually arrested.
The victim told police that a man with a ski mask and a Detroit Lions jacket had followed him and his friend into a liquor store and then back outside before pulling a gun on them.
The suspect is said to have pulled out a gun and threatened to kill the concealed carry holder‘s friend unless the concealed carry holder turned over his wallet.
The concealed carry holder then pulled out a gun as he was being patted down by the suspect and shot him in the chest…
Baltimore, Maryland, February 9, 2023 (WMAR 2 News)
Baltimore Police say the shooting death of a man last month was justified.
Back on February 9 officers were called to the 2000 block of Harford Road for reports of a shooting.
On scene they discovered a 39-year-old man and 27-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police also found 48-year-old Earl Watkins, who’d been fatally wounded…
But investigators later determined that it was Watkins who actually shot the other two victims, at which time someone else returned fire killing him…
Birmingham, Alabama, February 10, 2023 (AL.com)
Birmingham police about 1:30 a.m. Friday responded to the Kamtek facility where they both worked.
The information was that an ex-boyfriend had kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and they were traveling in a vehicle, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald…
The sister was quickly able to locate the victim and the suspect in the 1800 block of Ninth Street N.W. in the Winewood neighborhood.
The family member confronted the suspect in an attempt to rescue the victim, Fitzgerald said. A physical altercation ensued, and shots were exchanged between the suspect and the victim’s sister.
Both women were wounded but able to escape. They drove to Center Point Fire and Rescue Station #1 for help and were transported by Center Point medics to UAB Hospital in Birmingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Jackson fled in a vehicle…
In Gardendale, first responders found Jackson unresponsive inside a vehicle from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound…
Phoenix, Arizona, February 11, 2023 (ABC15.com)
A man is dead after a shooting inside a restaurant near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road Saturday night.
Officials say 26-year-old Oscar Luna entered the restaurant with a gun and shot multiple times inside the building.
After the initial shooting, police say a man inside the restaurant then shot Luna…
Officials say the man claimed self-defense and statements from witnesses at the scene were consistent with the man’s claims.
No arrests have been made in this incident…
Memphis, Tennessee, February 14, 2023 (FOX13 Memphis)
The owner of Broadway Pizza on Broad Avenue shot and killed her nephew after an altercation inside of the restaurant, according to a manger who works at the business…
A man was shot and killed inside Memphis’ Broadway Pizza on Broad Avenue, Tuesday February 14, 2023…
According to Reed, that shooting was in self-defense.
“He just got upset about something and, all of a sudden, he started to get into it with the owner,” Reed said…
Memphis Police said a woman was detained at the scene but later released with no charges filed against her.
Everett, Washington, February 14, 2023 (KIRO 7 News)
On Feb. 14, around 7 p.m., Everett police officers responded to a report of a man bashing in the windows of a car with people in it near the intersection of 18th Street and West Marine View Drive.
When officers got there, a 50-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman said that they were waiting on West Marine View Drive to turn onto 18th Street when the man in the car behind them got out and started breaking their windows with a blunt object.
To stop the man from bashing the car, one of the passengers fired three shots from a handgun and hit the man in the arm…
The man was found by officers at the hospital and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for assault and malicious mischief.
Julia Dallas, “Shots fired over road rage incident in Everett,” KIRO 7 News, February 16, 2023.
Seattle, Washington, February 14, 2023 (King 5)
On Valentine’s night, Yuttana Chanthakhoun and his girlfriend Chanh Saechao were unloading their car and about to grab their young children from the backseat when they say two men approached them with loaded guns and demanded they give up their belongings.
The attempted armed robbery happened outside the couple’s home in Rainier Beach on Feb. 14 around 11 p.m…
Chanthakhoun didn’t think twice. He said he pulled out his own gun to protect himself and his family…
Saint Louis, Missouri, February 15, 2023 (FOX 2 Now)
A man was shot and killed in a failed carjacking on Wednesday morning.
Nic Lopez, FOX 2’s Nissan Rogue Runner reporter, took video of the scene at the Gulf gas station on the 1300 block of North Tucker. Police said a man attempted to rob a driver in a white Chevy Malibu while he was getting gas, but the victim shot and killed the suspect…
El Paso, Texas, February 17, 2023 (El Paso Times)
A bystander shot and helped detain a 16-year-old boy suspected of fatally shooting another teen as two groups fought in Cielo Vista Mall, El Paso police said late Friday night…
The argument between the groups escalated into a physical fight during which the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a gun and fatally shot Zaragoza and seriously wounded the 17-year-old boy who was with Zaragoza, officials said…
After the shooting, the suspect ran away while pointing his gun toward the direction of bystanders, including a 32-year-old man, police said.
The bystander pulled out his gun as the suspect ran towards him and other bystanders and shot the suspect, police said. Police identified the bystander as being licensed to carry a firearm…
The El Paso Times is not identifying the bystander since he has not been charged with a crime…
Police initially stated after the shooting that the off-duty police officers was responsible for taking the suspect into custody and never mentioned a bystander being involved.
There were at least two other legally armed bystanders in the area where the shooting took place, but were not involved, police said. Texas has a constitutional carry gun law allowing 21-year-old and older residents to carry concealed weapons…
Lenoir, North Carolina, February 17, 2023 (Hickory Daily Record)
No charges have been issued in a Lenoir shooting that occurred early Friday morning. One man was seriously injured in the shooting…
Shortly before 12:15 a.m. Friday, Lenoir police officers responded to a shooting that occurred behind a business at 812 West Ave., police said. According to Google Maps, the Antique Market of Lenoir is located at the address.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Richard Wakefield, of Lenoir, encountered Lefevers, of Connelly Springs, in the alleyway behind 812 West Ave. Upon initial investigation, it appears Lefevers entered a vehicle belonging to Wakefield. Items were removed from inside the vehicle, Lenoir police said.
Wakefield discovered his vehicle being broken into. A struggle ensued between Lefevers and Wakefield. At some point during the struggle, Lenoir police said, Wakefield brandished a .22-caliber handgun and shot Lefevers…
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, February 17, 2023 (WBTW)
Michael James Alexander Perez, 33, allegedly entered Jacob the Jeweler on Hackler Street Friday afternoon and said he needed their Rolexes before he was shot by a store employee, according to police.
The jewelry store employee suffered an “apparent minor injury,” according to the report. He declined treatment.
Perez allegedly dropped his gun after he was shot, according to an event report obtained by News13. He reportedly fired shots but missed…
Union City, Georgia, February 18, 2023 (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Union City Police are praising a neighbor they say stopped a man who stabbed three women early Saturday morning…
Police said it turned out that two women had already been attacked, and Dobbs would just happen to step outside when the suspect began to stab a third victim…
“As the male subject was assaulting these female subjects with the knife, an onlooker saw the assault taking place,” Cpt. Brooks said. “He stepped up and stopped the threat. He did shoot the suspect.”
Police said one of the women died after the stabbing.
“We actually commend him for what he did and stepping up,” the captain added…
Seattle, Washington, February 20, 2023 (SPD Blotter)
Officers arrived at approximately 04:00 p.m. in the 7700 block of 15th Avenue Northwest and located two men with gunshot wounds. Community members assisted with medical care prior to police arrival.
It appears the 29-year-old male suspect attempted to rob the business by gunpoint and shot at the 38-year-old male employee victim. The victim fired back at the suspect who left the store after the shots were fired…
Chicago, Illinois, February 21, 2023 (CWB Chicago)
A Lincoln Park man fired shots at a catalytic converter theft crew that pointed a gun at him overnight, according to a Chicago police report. No injuries were reported.
The 73-year-old man saw two thieves trying to steal his catalytic converter in the 2000 block of North Larrabee around 3:40 a.m. He confronted the thieves, and one of them brandished a firearm, prompting the victim to open fire, a police spokesperson said.
Both thieves escaped in a dark SUV, which struck a parked car as they fled the scene, according to police.
Neighbors who called 911 said they heard yelling, followed by two or three gunshots. Police said the victim is licensed to own firearms…
Eddy County, North Dakota, February 22, 2023 (Valley News Live)
The “extremely dangerous” man at the center of a nearly three-day manhunt has been arrested Wednesday. 45-year-old Nicholas Poitra was apprehended around noon Wednesday on a county road in Eddy County, according to law enforcement…
Valley News Live has confirmed a local farmer spotted Poitra walking near his farm, and held him at gunpoint until police arrived. The farmer declined to comment on his heroic act, but said he’s glad the situation is over and hopes for closure for the family…
Blackstone, Virginia, February 23, 2023 (Courier Record)
Blackstone Police won’t say exactly how many, but there are reports that up to two dozen 9mm shots were exchanged shortly after 6:30 p.m. last Thursday night in parking lot of Slip-In convenience store on North Main Street…
Police say John Hamilton Gregory, 35, was exiting store when he was fired upon by suspect Shaquan Davaughan Hardy, 35, of Doswell Street. Authorities say Gregory went to his car, retrieved weapon, and returned fire. Police say Hardy was wounded, fled scene, was arrested later that night at VCU Medical Center in Richmond and is being held in Richmond City Jail. Hardy’s cousin — Lionell Lee Hardy, 36, of Green Bay — was arrested Monday by police in Farmville and charged with being an Accessory to Attempted Murder by driving Shaquan Hardy to and from scene Thursday night. Police decline to disclose a possible motive in the shooting. Gregory has not been charged with any offense…
Courier Record Staff, “SLIP-IN SHOOT-OUT,” Courier Record, March 1, 2023.
Greenville, North Carolina, February 23, 2023 (WITN)
Police have arrested a man who was shot last month in an attempted robbery…
The shootout happened in the parking lot of University Square Shopping Center on East 10th Street in Greenville on February 23rd.
During the attempted robbery, Greenville police believe the suspects shot at the victim and that the 26-year-old man returned fire, hitting Parker in the stomach…
The car the three were in was stolen from Rocky Mount and police believe they targeted the victim in this case for his car, as well.
WITN Web Team, “Man wounded in Greenville shootout charged by police,” WITN, March 6, 2023.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 23, 2023 (CBS News Philadelphia)
The incident happened shortly before 1 a.m. inside a bar at South 53rd Street and Woodland Avenue.
According to police, an argument began between the woman and a 23-year-old man inside the bar, which eventually spilled out into the street. Police say the shooting happened outside the bar, not inside it.
Police claim the woman produced a handgun and fired at the man. Investigators say a witness then fired a gun at the woman…
Police say the man has a permit to carry a weapon.
The man is cooperating with investigators, police say.
No arrests have been made as the investigation is ongoing…
Southfield, Michigan, February 24, 2023 (FOX 2 Detroit)
The three men attempted to rob the driver at the restaurant near 10 Mile and Telegraph. After the driver fired shots, the suspects fled.
The driver was armed and shot several times towards the would-be robbers, they got scared – back in their car and sped off, said Deputy Chief Aaron Huguley…
Decatur, Georgia, February 24, 2023 (FOX 5 Atlanta)
Police are investigating a rolling gun battle after a man spotted his girlfriend’s car just hours after three men stole it
Investigators say the group spotted him and opened fire on Clifton Farm Drive Friday morning.
The boyfriend shot back…
One of the suspects was grazed by a bullet.
All three were charged with aggravated assault and auto theft.
As for the boyfriend, he was not injured.
Nashville, Tennessee, February 26, 2023 (WSMV 4)
No charges have been filed in Sunday afternoon’s road rage-related fatal shooting that appears to have been in self-defense, Metro Police said on Monday.
According to the investigation, Alden R. Jones, 71, was driving aggressively through Hermitage and Old Hickory by speeding and cutting off other drivers. When Jones came to a stop at a traffic light at State Route 45 and Rio Vista Drive, he got out of his vehicle, approached the vehicle directly behind him, and began banging on the driver’s side window with a pistol.
Ricky L. Frizzell Jr., 36, was behind the vehicle Jones was banging on. He attempted to verbally intervene, according to police. Jones, with pistol in hand, then began approaching Frizzell’s vehicle. Frizzell, who had gotten out, yelled for Jones to stop, not come any closer, and warned him that he also had a gun, police said.
Jones continued to approach and was at a very close distance when Frizzell fired, saying he did so in defense of himself and his wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle…
Marengo, Ohio, February 26, 2023 (NBC4i.com)
A man who was shot and killed in Morrow County Sunday night went on a crime spree in Columbus just an hour before the fatal shooting, according to Columbus police.
Police said that for about 30 minutes, Keith D. Moser, 25, committed a series of crimes throughout the city. Moser was killed when he tried to steal a vehicle at a gas station in Marengo, Ohio, just before 7 p.m. Sunday.
Columbus police said that at 6:28 p.m. Sunday, Moser fired a gun into an unoccupied Chevrolet, which was locked and left running at a gas station on the 4000 block of Kenny Road. Moser left behind a Toyota and fled the scene in the Chevrolet. No injuries were reported.
At 6:36 p.m., police said Moser abandoned the Chevrolet on Starret Road. People on the 200 block of West Henderson Road called 911 to report shots fired during an attempted robbery/home invasion. Moser stole a BMW X3 from the area. No injuries were reported.
At 6:47 p.m., Moser allegedly tried to rob a food delivery driver on the 400 block of Glenmont Avenue. Again, shots were fired, but no one was injured.
Then, just before 7 p.m., the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office said Moser tried to steal a car on the ramp off of State Route 61 and Interstate 71. After shooting at the car, Moser went to a Shell gas station, where he tried to steal a minivan. Moser allegedly fired his gun, shooting Megan Stanford, of Greenville, South Carolina, and killing her, the sheriff’s office said.
Moser then allegedly shot at a U-Haul van. The driver of the van returned fire and a fight broke out between several people, the sheriff’s office said. Moser was shot several times and died at the scene.
Houston, Texas, February 27, 2023 (CW 39 Houston)
Police say a group of men were standing outside of a Shell gas station at 647 Greens Road a little after midnight when a man wearing a ski mask walked up to them and pulled out a gun, attempting to rob him.
One of the men then pulled out his own weapon and shot the man multiple times, police said. The person who was shot fled the scene and was taken to a hospital by a private vehicle, but later died at the hospital…
