A concealed carry permit holder saved an elderly man from being assaulted by his own family last Wednesday night at a Kroger grocery store in Little Rock, Arkansas, local media reports.
The armed customer, who identified himself as Gene, was exiting the store when he saw the older man being surrounded by a group of people.
“I was freaking out; I was shaking,” said the 24-year-old. “I saw seven people against one guy and I did not like those odds,” he continued.
Gene drew his gun and ordered the attackers to stand down.
“They kept yelling this ‘isn’t your fight, you need to walk away you need to put the gun down’,” said Gene.
Meanwhile, concerned onlookers began recording the confrontation on their cell phones. A few called police.
“Some lady behind yells ‘there’s a man with a gun to 911,'” said Gene.
When police arrived on the scene, both the victim and the attackers were gone. Investigators learned later that the victim and the attackers were all related. Police said that elderly man was an uncle who was being attacked by his nephew.
The uncle declined to press charges.
Gene says he doesn’t regret taking action and would do it again should he find himself in a similar situation.
“If you see a crime happening and you see someone getting injured and you have the ability to stop it you should,” said Gene.
Following the incident, law enforcement officials spoke about one’s right to keep and bear arms for self-defense, reminding the public that there is a lot that goes into the decision.
“There’s a lot of danger involved when you have an incident involving a gun,” said Sgt. Cassandra Davis with Little Rock Police.
“It’s a very serious situation when you pull a weapon,” continued Davis. “You have to be responsible or know the consequences of what you’re doing.”
Davis encouraged citizens to keep their guns holstered if they can.
“Be a good witness. If you feel you need to have some kind of input we don’t ask we put yourself in harms way,” said Davis.
The article isn’t clear but, as I read it, the was no PHYSICAL assault in progress. That being the case, the gun should have stayed in the holster and making with the cell phone call to cops would have been the appropriate action. He was lucky the cops were conservatively minded. Some places he’d have found himself cuffed and charged.
I for one believe a CCP allows you to carry for YOUR protection. It doesn’t make you a cop. On the other hand it might be your protection if you see a gang of thugs trying to assault or rob another citizen. It all depends on the situation. My first response would be to call 911. Then you have to do what you think is the right thing to do.
This is an older article but you are incorrect.
Especially under WI Law, where I reside, I am given the “option” to intervene if I feel it is necessary & to use deadly force if I deem a life is in danger.
Does that mean I will resort to my side arm immediately? No, ofcourse not, it is a situational decision that is predicated by many factors. Knowing who the instigator is can sometimes be difficult & responding adequately is paramount. Situational awareness is the key. I have personally been in the circumstance & I am always thankful I made the right decision. Some would disagree with my actions, but I know in my heart I did the right thing.