Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 20 Cases During September 2023

Dec 10, 2023 | Defensive Gun Use

Bradenton, Florida, September 2, 2023 (ABC Action News)

Police said Sean Phillips, 34, allegedly shot at several people in the parking lot of Shannon Funeral Home on 14th Street West after a service around 9:30 p.m. Detectives believe Phillips lived above the funeral home.

A 35-year-old man returned fire and struck Phillips as well as the girl, who also lives above the funeral home. The teenage girl was struck once and is recovering at home while Phillips sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

After Phillips is released from the hospital he will be taken to Manatee County Jail. He is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

The man who returned fire will not face any charges…

Rebekah Nelson, “Bradenton Police arrest suspect in shooting that hospitalized 13-year-old,” ABC Action News, September 5, 2023.

Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 2023 (FOX 32 Chicago)

A concealed carry holder shot a man during an altercation inside a business Friday on Chicago’s West Side.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in the 2200 block of S. Blue Island Ave.

Police say a 25-year-old man entered a business where he had been asked to leave several times before. The man again refused to leave the business and a verbal/physical altercation broke out with a 64-year-old man.

The 64-year-old then pulled out a gun and fired shots, police said. The 25-year-old was struck in the hand and hospitalized at Mount Sinai in good condition…

FOX 32 Digital Staff, “Concealed carry holder shoots man during physical altercation on Chicago’s West Side: police,” FOX 32 Chicago, September 1, 2023.

Everett, Washington, September 1, 2023 (MyEverettNews.com)

Just before 10:45 PM Friday night Sno911 received a call of an attempted robbery at a convenience store in the 4000 block of Hoyt in central Everett.

The caller advised the alleged suspect had a weapon, possibly a hatchet and the caller told Sno911 they were armed and shots were fired…

Staff, “Everett Police Investigating After Shots Fired, Possible Suspect Hit In Reported Attempted Robbery At Everett Store,” MyEverettNews.com, September 2, 2023.

Warren, Michigan, September 6, 2023 (Macomb Daily)

According to Warren police, officers were dispatched to the parking lot outside the gym just after 8 p.m. Sept. 6 in response to reports of shots fired.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said the shooting was the result of an attempted armed robbery that started with a Facebook Marketplace transaction. According to Dwyer a 16-year-old male and another man were armed and attempted to rob two males who had met them in the Planet Fitness parking lot to complete a Facebook Marketplace transaction.

“One of the men the 16-year-old was trying to rob was a CPL holder and he shot the 16-year-old in the chest,” Dwyer said. “The 16-year-old was first transported to Ascension Macomb Hospital and then to St. John in Detroit.”…

Susan Smiley, “One hospitalized after shooting outside Warren Planet Fitness,” Macomb Daily, September 7, 2023.

Antioch, Tennessee, September 8, 2023 (WSMV)

Police said a man and his uncle were working on Artelia Drive when they witnessed someone driving away in the uncle’s pickup truck. That’s when the two began following the truck while calling 911 to report the incident.

The stolen truck stopped in the 4800 block of Goodwin Road, and police said the driver got out, as did the man and his uncle in pursuit. The uncle said he saw the man reach for something believed to be a machete, and that’s when his nephew shot him.

Police said a machete was found at the scene.

Officers also recovered a pistol from the scene, and the man who fired the shot declined to speak with detectives before consulting an attorney. MNPD said no charges have been filed at this time.

Caleb Wethington, “Man armed with machete in stolen truck killed in claimed self-defense shooting identified, police say,” WSMV, September 12, 2023.

Phoenix, Arizona, September 9, 2023 (Arizona’s Family)

Around 5 a.m., Phoenix police were called to shots fired near Central Avenue and Illini Street, just north of Broadway Road. Officers arrived and found 43-year-old Bobby Thomas, who had been shot. Thomas was taken to the hospital, where he died. Officers detained several people at the scene who spoke with detectives about the shooting.

According to police, witnesses told detectives that Thomas had pulled out a handgun and pointed it at a woman when another person, unknown to the witnesses, shot him. Additional details on what led to the shooting are still under investigation, and detectives continue to collect and analyze evidence…

AZFamily Digital News Staff, “Man dead after shooting in south Phoenix,” Arizona’s Family, September 10, 2023.

Longs, South Carolina, September 9, 2023 (WMBF News)

A source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed the pictures we received show the two trucks before and after the shooting on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the intersection of Camp Swamp Road and Highway 9…

A police report indicates that 33-year-old Scott Spivey was the driver of the black truck. The coroner’s office said that Spivey died in the shooting…

A police report obtained by WMBF News states that the driver of the white truck told officers that Spivey jumped out of his truck and started shooting.

The driver of the white truck said that he then fired back…

At this point, no arrests or charges have been filed in the case…

Ale Espinosa and Kristin Nelson, “New pictures obtained show moments before, after deadly Longs shooting,” WMBF News, September 20, 2023.

Portland, Oregon, September 9, 2023 (FOX 12 Oregon)

The store is near Southeast Grand Avenue and Taylor Street, and the shooting happened around 2 a.m…

Police believe the man was in the parking lot when several suspects approached him and “exchanged words.” Then, they started shooting at him.

The victim says he was armed and returned fire.

Police say the suspects took off and it’s unknown if any of them were hurt.

FOX 12 Staff, “1 injured after shots fired outside 7-Eleven in SE Portland,” FOX 12 Oregon, September 9, 2023.

Quincy, Washington, September 9, 2023 (FOX News)

The sheriff’s office said deputies were called to a farm in Quincy last Saturday at about 7 p.m. over reports of two burglary suspects.

The suspects were allegedly targeting two farm shops on the property but were stopped in their tracks by the farmer.

The unidentified property owner pulled out a firearm and held the pair at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to authorities…

Foreman added that legally armed citizens in the county periodically use their Second Amendment rights to thwart criminals, which is within their legal bounds in a situation similar to the farmer’s…

Emma Colton, “Farmer holds burglars at gunpoint after he finds them creeping around property: police,” FOX News, September 17, 2023.

Alpharetta, Georgia, September 10, 2023 (FOX 5 Atlanta)

It was closing time on Sunday night. Police say as the manager was leaving, an armed man approached him in the parking lot and tried to rob him.

“An independent witness observed the robbery in process, and intervened in the robbery, and shot the suspect after the suspect pointed his firearm at the witness and the victim,” said Alpharetta Police Lt. Andrew Splawn…

Police say the bystander with the gun will not be charged.

“Georgia law allows a person to use reasonable force to protect themselves or a third party when they believe an individual or themselves is going to suffer serious bodily harm or death,” said Lt. Splawn. “We do believe this is going to be a defensive third-party incident, so at this time we don’t anticipate any charges for the witness.”

“I’m glad he was here and was able to stop him. People do stupid stuff, and there’s consequences,” said Angie Trapino, another Zaxby’s customer…

Denise Dillon and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team, “Attempted armed robbery in Alpharetta thwarted by armed bystander,” FOX 5 Atlanta, September 11, 2023.

Memphis, Tennessee, September 11, 2023 (WREG)

One of the owners of a North Memphis restaurant says she was forced to shoot a naked intruder who threatened her and her family members inside the North Hollywood business late Monday night.

The woman, who did not want to be identified by name, said the man dressed only in sneakers showed up to Mr. Potato Head asking for water and managed to push his way inside, shutting the self-locking doors behind him.

She said the man became enraged when he couldn’t leave the restaurant, began damaging property, and jammed the doors trying to get out. She said he also punched her in the chest and continued to come toward her even though she was holding a gun…

The woman said she fired one shot at the man when he charged her and shot him again when he picked up a chair to throw at her sister…

The woman who fired the shots said she was taken into custody but is not facing any charges…

Melissa Moon, “‘He was like a lion in a cage’: Naked man shot dead inside restaurant,” WREG, September 14, 2023.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 13, 2023 (Local10.com)

According to Fort Lauderdale police, the suspect’s ill-fated attempt at a cash grab happened at around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Family Dollar at 1939 NW Ninth Ave., in the city’s Lauderdale Manors neighborhood.

Police said Nicolas Richard Lee Deas, 20, of Fort Lauderdale, and another man walked up as the employee was closing the store and Deas claimed he left his cellphone inside so the employee opened the door to try and help him.

The employee’s kind gesture would turn out to be a mistake, according to an arrest report, as Deas pointed a stolen gun at the worker and told him, “Give me the money or I will kill you.”

Police said the employee took the pair to the safe and Deas’ accomplice filled the bag with about $1,200. The report states Deas pistol-whipped the worker in the back of the neck and in the elbow.

A man closing his own business in the shopping center said he heard the commotion at the nearby Family Dollar and went in, the report states.

Police said the business owner saw Deas with a gun in his hand, took out his own gun and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon and get on the ground, which he did. The other suspect got away, however.

The report states the business owner kept Deas on the ground until officers arrived and arrested him…

Chris Gothner, “Armed witness intervenes in Fort Lauderdale Family Dollar robbery, police say,” Local10.com, September 15, 2023.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, September 14, 2023 (KARK.com)

A shooting at a gas station Thursday may result in no arrests according to Pine Bluff Police. They say around noon a woman shot a man authorities describe as a regular “beggar”.

The shooting happened outside the Southern Edge Convenience Store on South Olive Street. The woman who pulled the trigger was taken to Pine Bluff Police Department and interviewed by detectives…

Pine Bluff Police said the lady was getting gas when a man approached her begging for money. She eventually pulled a gun out of her car and shot him…

As of Thursday, the woman behind the trigger is not going to be arrested police say. She was questioned by detectives and the case is being sent to the Jefferson County prosecutor’s office for further investigation to see if charges will be filed…

Neale Zeringue, “Pine Bluff gas station shooting may result in no arrests,” KARK.com, September 14, 2023.

Riverside, California, September 20, 2023 (KABC)

The incident happened shortly before 10 p.m. at E-Joy Foot And Body Massage, according to Riverside Police Department.

The customer opened fire after two men broke in and tried to rob the establishment, police said. Authorities initially identified the shooter as an employee.

The two robbers, at least one of whom was armed and dropped his gun, fled the scene. The suspect who was hurt ended up in the parking lot of a nearby Northgate Market, where he was taken into custody by police officers and transported to a hospital. The other suspect managed to get away…

Police said the customer’s gun was legally registered, and that the district attorney will investigate the shooting…

“Just like when you’re inside your own home or a business, if harm’s way comes to you, you do have a right to defend yourself if you or others are at risk of serious bodily harm or even death,” Officer Ryan Railsback, spokesman for the Police Department, said…

Rob McMillan, “Customer shoots, critically wounds suspect during attempted robbery at massage business in Riverside,” KABC, September 21, 2023.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 21, 2023 (Philly Crime Update)

Just after 8pm last night, a man armed with a gun approached a victim in the area of 15th and Page and tried to rob him of his scooter.

The victim then pulled his own gun and a struggle for the weapon ensued. Police say the victim fired one shot during the robbery. The offender then fled the area, running north towards Susquehanna Ave. No injuries have been reported…

Philly Crime Update (@PhillyCrimeUpd), “YET ANOTHER NEAR TRAGEDY DURING LATEST TEMPLE ROBBERY,” Twitter, September 22, 2023.

Lake Stevens, Washington, September 22, 2023 (KOMO News)

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the incident occurred Friday on the 15300 block of 84th Street Northeast in Lake Stevens. Investigators learned a road-rage incident occurred between a 23-year-old man and an adult woman as both were driving east on 84th Street Northeast, deputies said.

The man got out of his vehicle and went up to the woman, who, as she was being confronted, told the man another man was attempting to steal his vehicle, the SCSO added.

The 23-year-old man returned to his vehicle and a “physical altercation occurred with the 41-year-old man,” the SCSO said. “During the altercation, the 23-year-old man shot the 41-year-old. He died at the scene.”…

The SCSO said the 23-year-old man is cooperating with detectives, and no arrests have been made.

KOMO News Staff, “From road rage to deadly shooting: What we know about wild Lake Stevens incident,” KOMO News, September 22, 2023.

Decatur, Georgia, September 23, 2023 (WSBTV.com)

Police say a 40-year-old man intentionally shot the 37-year-old man because of a previous altercation. Due to their previous altercation, police say the 37-year-old returned fire in self-defense, shooting the suspect.

During the shooting, police say a 71-year-old man was struck in the crossfire of their altercation.

All three of the men were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, officials say…

WSBTV.com News Staff, “Dispute between 2 men leads to 71-year-old victim being shot, DeKalb police say,” WSBTV.com, September 23, 2023.

Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 25, 2023 (KOAA News 5, KKTV)

The shooting occurred in the 6900 block of Alpine Currant Vw. on Monday in the parking lot of an apartment complex at about 1:16 a.m. The area is near N. Union Boulevard and E. Woodmen Road.

“The reporting party called to say she was about to be attacked by a male she just met so she shot him before leaving the scene,” a news release issued by police on Wednesday reads. “Detectives from the Violent Crimes Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. The reporting party was interviewed and released pending further investigation.”…

Marcus Cocova, “Colorado Springs resident identified in fatal Monday morning shooting,” KOAA News 5, September 27, 2023.
Tony Keith, “Man allegedly shot by woman in Colorado Springs identified, no arrests made as investigation continues,” KKTV, September 27, 2023.

Memphis, Tennessee, September 27, 2023 (FOX 13 Memphis)

A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured after a robbery and shooting in South Memphis, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). 

Officers went to a business called The Spot Inc at 4636 Faronia Drive about a shooting.

Police were told that four men went to the store with guns and tried to rob the store and take merchandise. During the robbery, the store owner and the suspects fired shots at each other…

FOX13 Memphis News Staff, “Robbery, shooting leaves 16-year-old boy critically injured, police say,” FOX 13 Memphis, September 28, 2023.

Arlington, Texas, September 28, 2023 (NBC DFW, Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Al-Mutairy was shot by officers and taken into custody after he allegedly opened fire at the Vandergriff Honda dealership, 1104 W. Interstate 20, where he used to work before he was terminated, police said…

An employee at the dealership told NBC 5’s Vince Sims that a former employee who had recently been fired walked into the new car area with a long-style rifle…

Mann told NBC 5 he then saw the man heading toward the service area.

“One of the service advisors has a gun, tries to defend himself, shoots back at him because he was walking toward the service area, then they get into an exchange. The whole time I’m on the phone with the police,” Mann said.

Mann said when Al-Mutairy left the building he was confronted by police officers. The employee said the armed man walked toward officers, still carrying the gun, and was shot by police.

According to Arlington Police, none of the employees, customers, or police were hurt and the only person injured was the gunman…

NBCDFW Staff and Tahera Rahman, “Shots fired at Honda dealership, gunman shot by Arlington police identified,” NBC DFW, September 28, 2023.
Nicole Lopez, “Police identify suspect accused in Arlington Vandergriff Honda shooting,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 29, 2023.

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