Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 28 Cases During January 2024

Apr 27, 2024 | Defensive Gun Use

Akron, Ohio, January 1, 2024 (News 5 Cleveland)

It happened around 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day at the Taco Bell on South Arlington Street.

According to the 911 call, a masked man entered the restaurant and approached employees at gunpoint. One of the employees ran and hid in the freezer and called the police…

Investigators said the suspected robber fired the gun at another employee. That’s when a 21-year-old worker pulled a gun of his own and shot back at the suspect, striking him in the chest. The robber then fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

“To some degree, [he] could’ve saved or prevented someone from being seriously injured or killed – himself or others,” said Miller…

It’s unclear if the Taco Bell employee who was carrying a gun will be reprimanded, but Miller does not expect charges…

Drew Scofield and Catherine Ross, “Man robs Akron Taco Bell, gets shot by employee, police say,” News 5 Cleveland, January 2, 2024.

New Castle, Indiana, January 2, 2024 (WTHR.com)

New Castle police said they received a call of a shooting at 12:37 a.m. Tuesday near 18th Street and D Avenue.

Police said the caller reported shooting a man after he came after them with a hatchet…

Police said it doesn’t appear the caller knew the man shot and killed.

No arrests have been made, and the case will now be reviewed by the Henry County prosecutor.

WTHR.com staff, “Police: Person shot and killed man coming at them with hatchet in New Castle,” WTHR.com, January 2, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 2, 2024 (CWB Chicago)

Officers responding to a call of a “citizen holding an offender” in the 9400 block of South Laflin arrived to find the 39-year-old carjacking victim holding Berry at gunpoint in the street at 6:28 a.m., the report said…

He explained that he was sitting in his 2021 Mazda CX9 when Berry walked up to his driver’s window and pointed a gun at his head…

The victim complied, handed over his keys, and entered his house.

Once he was inside, he grabbed his own gun. Then he went back outside. Berry was sitting behind the steering wheel of the Mazda with a firearm on the passenger seat, the report said.

“If you reach for it, I’ll blow your head off,” the man recalled telling Berry.

He then opened the door to his car, grabbed Berry by the collar, and pulled him to the ground, the report continued…

The cops recovered the firearm Berry allegedly left on the Mazda’s passenger seat. The report said it had been stolen from a vehicle in the 1400 block of West 90th Street on November 28…

Tim Hecke, “Carjacking victim fetched a pistol and forced the hijacker out of his car at gunpoint: Chicago police report,” CWB Chicago, January 5, 2024.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, January 3, 2024 (Local10.com)

Police said they responded to a shooting call just before 12:30 a.m. near the 1200 block of East Las Olas Boulevard…

An FLPD spokesperson told Local 10 News that a preliminary investigation revealed the shooting was related to a road rage incident.

Authorities said the shooter remained at the scene after the incident and is cooperating with the investigation.

It was determined that the victim had punched the gunman before the shooting occurred, according to police…

Police told Local 10 News that the shooter was released pending a “stand-your-ground” case review…

Ryan Mackey and Sanela Sabovic, “Road rage shooting in Las Olas leaves 1 hospitalized, police say,” Local10.com, January 3, 2024.

Wellford, South Carolina, January 3, 2024 (FOX Carolina)

Deputies said the shooting took place on Shiloh Church Road and left one person with a non life-threatening gunshot wound to his hip.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect was cooperative and at this time, it appears he acted in self defense…

Anisa Snipes, “Suspect acted in self-defense in Wellford shooting, deputies say,” FOX Carolina, January 4, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 4, 2024 (ABC7 Chicago)

Chicago police said three male suspects shattered the front door window of a business at on 460 East 61st Street at about 4:35 a.m.

The made entry into V’s Convenience Store and began taking merchandise when police said the 40-year-old store owner, Vanessa Harris, arrived.

The owner said one of the suspects took out a gun and fired shots at her and the owner fired back, police said. It does not appear any of the suspects were wounded and the store owner was not injured…

Harris said she has a concealed carry license, and police took her gun as protocol while they investigate…

The store owner said she is angry and frustrated. This is the second burglary to their store in four days. The first time was on New Year’s Eve overnight…

Jessica D’Onofrio and ABC7 Chicago Digital Team, “Convenience Store Owner Exchanges Gunfire with Burglary Suspects on South Side,” ABC7 Chicago, January 4, 2024.

Topeka, Kansas, January 5, 2024 (Newsbreak)

A brave action by a Topeka resident brought an attempted robbery at a local Walgreens to a halt late Friday night. The incident, reported by the Topeka Police Department, occurred at the Walgreens located at 1001 SW Topeka Blvd.

Law enforcement officials were called to the scene around 11:40 p.m. on January 5, following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, they discovered that a Topeka resident, who was armed, had already detained the suspect. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Edward C. Beddingfield Jr. of Topeka, was accused of threatening people in the store and stealing items.

Following his apprehension by the citizen, Beddingfield was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. He faces several charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, interference with law enforcement, and theft…

The incident underscores the role that community members can play in aiding law enforcement and ensuring public safety, although such interventions carry significant risk.

Nik Hatziefstathiou, “Topeka Citizen Detains Robbery Suspect Until Police Arrival,” Newsbreak, January 8, 2024.

Houston, Texas, January 6, 2024 (FOX 26 Houston)

Police initially responded to a report of a robbery and a shooting in the 5600 block of Maxwell around 1 a.m.

Police learned that a woman and her friend had just come back to the apartment complex after eating, and the friend got out of the woman’s pickup truck to go up to his apartment.

Police say the woman was in her pickup truck getting ready to leave when two people reportedly came up with pistols and pulled her out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

The woman’s friend heard what was happening from his apartment and came out with a pistol, police say.

According to police, there was an exchange of gunfire.

Police say the man who was killed is believed to have been the man who was robbing the woman. Authorities say the other person who was him took off running…

FOX 26 Digital, “Houston shooting: 1 dead after robbery attempt on Maxwell, police say,” FOX 26 Houston, January 6, 2024.

Hammond, Louisiana, January 7, 2024 (The Daily Star)

According to HPD, on Jan. 7 around 2 a.m., officers responded to a domestic disturbance where a female was reported as sustaining a stab wound to the neck.

Upon arrival, HPD officers found the victim near the steps of the residence holding her bleeding neck. Officers learned that Hoskins, 46, had engaged in a verbal argument that turned physical as Hoskins allegedly began choking the victim inside her vehicle, police said.

During the struggle, the victim escaped through the passenger side door. Then, according to HPD, Hoskins attacked her with a kitchen knife.

The victim grabbed the knife, which caused a laceration to her palm, and threw it away from their location. Police reported that Hoskins allegedly started to choke her again while saying she was going to die.

A neighbor heard the screams for help and came outside with his gun, which appeared to convince Hoskins to flee the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was later found in Livingston Parish…

The Daily Star Staff, “Hammond man wanted on attempted murder,” The Daily Star, January 12, 2024.

Oakland, California, January 8, 2024 (FOX 2 KTVU)

It happened at MSM Jewelry store near 41st Avenue and International Boulevard at about 10 a.m. Monday…

The two men, both wearing masks, came inside with guns drawn.

The worker said he fired the first shot from his 9mm handgun.

“They told me don’t move, or we’ll shoot. So I started shooting at them because they had the guns pointed at me,” he said. “They were shooting back. It was going back and forth for like 20 seconds.”

He said the men fired about 20 shots at him, one with a .40-caliber handgun with a drum magazine. The other had a 9mm with an extended magazine. These large capacity magazines are illegal…

Oakland police took a report. Officers did not cite or arrest the worker.

“They said, ‘You did the right thing.’ They said, ‘You followed – you did everything right.’ They said we’re just going to take your guns until the investigation’s done, but I have more,” he said…

Henry Lee, “Shootout at jewelry store in Oakland’s Fruitvale – worker opens fire,” FOX 2 KTVU, January 9, 2024.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, January 8, 2024 (KOCO News)

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Monday, police responded to reports of a disturbance at a business along Southwest 29th Street near South Kentucky Avenue. When officers arrived, police said they found a 55-year-old man who had been shot…

Investigators said they learned that Thomas went to the business and started an altercation with someone inside. He then pulled out a knife and swung it at the business owner, who police said shot and killed Thomas.

Police told KOCO 5 that the altercation wasn’t an attempted robbery but instead was over a business deal.

An Oklahoma City Police Department news release states that it appears at this time that the deadly shooting was self-defense. The case will be presented to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, who will determine if charges should be filed.

No arrests have been made…

Jonathan Greco, “Police release details surrounding deadly shooting at southwest OKC business,” KOCO News, January 9, 2024.

Charlotte, North Carolina, January 8, 2024 (wsoctv.com, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department)

Police found Daniel Thomas who had been shot in the middle of the road on North Tryon Street at 27th Street in front of the 2400 Arcade Room…

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Homicide Unit have classified this case as a justified homicide.  The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office has consulted with the CMPD’s Homicide Unit and concurs with the detectives’ decision not to charge anyone in this case…

Hannah Goetz, “Mother wants answers after son shot, killed in north Charlotte,” wsoctv.com, January 15, 2024.
Staff, “Case Update: Homicide Investigation in the Metro Division – N Tryon St,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, January 22, 2024.

Seattle, Washington, January 9, 2024 (KOMO News)

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said it located the 20-year-old victim on the 700 block of 5th Avenue around 10 p.m. The man reported he was robbed of his scooter and “stabbed multiple times” after getting off a King County Metro bus near 4th Avenue and Columbia Street, according to the SPD…

After being stabbed by the unknown suspect, the victim took out a pistol and “fired multiple rounds at the suspect” before running north on 4th Avenue and then east on 5th Avenue, according to the SPD…

The suspect was “in possession of multiple knives and found to have a non-life-threatening gunshot graze wound” when officers found him, according to the SPD. The SFD treated the suspect and later took him to Harborview, police said. He will be booked into King County jail for robbery once he’s medically cleared, police added…

KOMO News Staff, “Man shoots armed suspect after being stabbed during scooter robbery in downtown Seattle,” KOMO News, January 10, 2024.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 11, 2024 (6abc Action News, National Wrestling Alliance)

It happened around 7 p.m. Thursday on the 6100 block of Shisler Street…

Kittrell, who was in his vehicle, was approached by four masked men. In the course of the incident, one of the assailants shot Kittrell in the hip, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury.

Kittrell, who possesses a permit to carry a gun, used his legally registered firearm to defend himself and returned fire. The suspects fled the scene, and investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage for leads. Kittrell was taken to a local hospital and is recovering…

6abc Digital Staff, “Man shot during gun battle with attempted robbery suspect in Oxford Circle,” 6abc Action News, January 12, 2024.
Staff, “National Wrestling Alliance Star and Cancer Survivor Blk Jeez Survives Shooting, Attempted Carjacking,” National Wrestling Alliance, January 12, 2024.

Washington, DC, January 12, 2024 (Metropolitan Police DC)

On Friday, January 12, 2024, the victim was sitting in his vehicle in the 1900 block of 14th Street, Southeast, when three suspects approached him, assaulted him, and robbed him at gunpoint. Two of the suspects then took the victim’s vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, one of the two suspects in the carjacked vehicle began exchanging gunfire with an unknown person in the 3300 block of Benning Road, Northeast. The unknown person returned fire, striking the suspect. Responding officers located the injured suspect and the carjacked vehicle…

MPDC Staff, “Teen Arrested for Carjacking and Shooting,” Metropolitan Police DC, January 12, 2024.

Peoria, Illinois, January 15, 2024 (CIPROUD.com)

State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos said that because the man who fired the fatal shot was a legal gun owner who was defending himself from being robbed, “no charges will be filed against him.”…

Police were called to a shooting in the 2100 block of West Lincoln Avenue at approximately 5:04 p.m. on Monday…

The botched Facebook Marketplace robbery took place in an alley in the south end of Peoria, where the purchasers were directed to by the robbers. A group of individuals, including Williams and Branscumb, attempted to rob the purchasers at gunpoint, according to Hoos.

In the midst of the robbery, 18-year-old Marcus Whitehead was shot and killed.

The robbery victim was drawn there, police have said, due to a Facebook Marketplace ad for a vehicle…

Kate Stevens, “Coroner releases name of man shot in Peoria Monday,” CIPROUD.com, January 16, 2024.
Kate Stevens and Andy Kravetz, “Man who fired fatal shot in deadly Facebook Marketplace transaction faces no charges,” CIPROUD.com, January 27, 2024.

Kansas City, Missouri, January 17, 2024 (The Kansas City Star)

An employee working security at Crown Center and a bystander fired weapons in response to a shooting in the shopping mall Wednesday, police say.

Police said the security worker and the mall visitor have been identified and are cooperating with police as they continue their investigation.

Emergency medical responders and police were dispatched around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday after multiple 911 calls of gunshots in the Crown Center…

Investigators were told there was a verbal argument between two groups that appeared to be youths, or people in their late teens or early 20s. The altercation quickly led to gunfire, according to police, in an incident which left six people wounded and damaged surrounding businesses…

Kendrick Calfee, “Security guard, mall visitor shot weapons in response to Crown Center shooting, police say,” The Kansas City Star, January 18, 2024.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, January 20, 2024 (WTAE)

Herrell is the manager of Las Palmas, a Beechview restaurant and grocery store. He says it was just like any normal Saturday when he noticed 17-year-old Marcus Glass waiting in line at the taco stand. Moments later, Glass stole the tip jar and ran off. That’s when the employees began their pursuit.

“Whenever they were halfway down the street, he started shooting back. He shot three rounds and then I got in my car. I was still here, and got in my car. We were on the call with police at the time, so we were looking for him to tell police where he was, and I found him in the woods. He took out his gun, I shot back. I shot three rounds,” Herrell said.

Just a few moments later, police arrived on scene and took Glass into custody. Glass is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, robbery and recklessly endangering another person. Herrell said he’s still in disbelief the situation ended the way it did, but ultimately the safety of his employees is what he was most concerned for…

Yazmin Rodriguez, “Las Palmas manager speaks out after returning gunfire during robbery,” WTAE, January 21, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 22, 2024 (FOX 32 Chicago)

A concealed carry holder shot at an armed robber who held up a Taco Burrito King restaurant Monday night in the Cragin neighborhood.

A 17-year-old armed with a gun entered the restaurant, located at 5413 W. Belmont Avenue, around 9:35 p.m. and demanded money from the register, according to police. The clerk complied but the teen was confronted by a licensed concealed carry holder who shot at him as he fled the restaurant…

Will Hager, “CCL holder shoots at armed robber who held up Taco Burrito King,” FOX 32 Chicago, January 23, 2024.

Raleigh, North Carolina, January 23, 2024 (CBS 17)

According to police, the shooting occurred at Walmart at 4500 Fayetteville Road on Jan. 23. Police say after an apparent argument, Colton Valdez, 29, approached a man and presented a weapon. The man then drew his gun and shot Valdez, who died shortly after the incident.

Police said through their investigation, it was determined that the weapon that Valdez presented was a BB gun that resembled a real handgun.

Through a thorough investigation, and consultation with the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, police have decided not to file charges against the man who shot Valdez.

Glyniss Wiggins, “BB gun pulled by man fatally shot in Garner Walmart parking lot, shooter not being charged, police say,” CBS 17, January 26, 2024.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 25, 2024 (6abc Action News)

It happened around 2:34 p.m. in the 3600 block of North G Street.

Police tell Action News there was a dispute between the 19-year-old driver of a Honda and the 38-year-old driver of a gray Ford.

Investigators say the driver of the Honda pointed a gun at the Ford driver. The Ford driver then pulled out a gun and opened fire…

Small says a relative brought the 19-year-old to the hospital for treatment, where he is also being held as a prisoner. He was listed as critical but is expected to survive…

The driver of the Ford was not injured. Police say he remained on scene and is cooperating with police. He does have a valid permit to carry.

No charges have been filed.

6abc Digital Staff and Briana Smith, “Man shot during apparent road rage incident in Philadelphia’s Juniata Park section,” 6abc Action News, January 25, 2024.

New Orleans, Louisiana, January 26, 2024 (FOX 8 Live)

The victim, an adult male, was reportedly targeted by 23-year-old Johnathan Edwards in the 7300 block of Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East around 2 a.m. on Jan. 26.

Police say Edwards pulled on the door handle and told the victim to get out.

The victim fired shots at Edwards, striking him multiple times, the NOPD said.

The suspect was taken to a hospital. Upon release, he will be booked into jail on one count of attempted first-degree robbery.

The victim is not facing charges.

FOX 8 Staff, “Carjacking suspect shot multiple times by would-be victim, NOPD says, FOX 8 Live, January 26, 2024.

Houston, Texas, January 27, 2024 (FOX 26 Houston)

According to police, a male suspect approached a man and his girlfriend at the pumps at the “Zip In Zip Out” Chevron Gas Station located at 11095 Ella Blvd. Police say the suspect pistol-whipped the man at the gas station and demanded his wallet.

After investigating, police found out that a bystander, unrelated to the victim or the suspect, witnessed the robbery and shot the suspect. The shooter then instructed the robbery victim to retrieve what the suspect had taken before leaving the scene…

The robbery suspect later died after being taken to the hospital in critical condition…

Houston police say the shooter later called and met with HPD detectives to provide a statement. He was released after detectives contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Officials say the shooting investigation would be presented to a grand jury…

FOX 26 Digital and Jade Flury, “Houston crime: One dead in shooting at Zip In Zip Out gas station on Ella Boulevard,” FOX 26 Houston, January 27, 2024.

Dothan, Alabama, January 27, 2024 (Dothan Police Department)

On January 27, 2024, Dothan Patrol Officers responded to the report of a robbery and shots fired in the 2900 block of Ross Clark Circle… Vickers approached the victim asking for help with his phone.  As the victim and Vickers were walking, Vickers pulled out a firearm and demanded the victim’s property.  Vickers forcefully snatched the victim’s purse off her shoulder.  The victim, a lawful gun owner, pulled her own firearm to defend herself.  The victim fired one round at the suspect but missed him.  Vickers dropped the purse and ran away… Officers located what appeared to be a firearm near where Vickers was taken into custody.  The firearm turned out to be a bb gun.  Vickers was arrested and charged with Robbery 1st degree.

Staff, “Robber Gets More Than Property After Victim Pulls Her Own Firearm,” Dothan police Department, January 29, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 28, 2024 (WGN-TV)

Liborio Torres said his son’s car was stolen from the 5500 block of South Kostner Avenue early Sunday morning. The family called the police to report the theft, but Torres said the car also had a tracker in it. Despite a warning from police not to follow it, he and his son began to track the vehicle.

According to Torres, they found the car a short time later in a parking lot in the 100 block of West 87th Street, with three people inside.

Torres said the three individuals inside the car spotted him and his son and that is when they opened fire…

Torres, a CCL holder, said he and his son then returned fire.

According to Chicago police, the vehicle then allegedly fled the scene following the shooting…

Gabriel Castillo and Brónagh Tumulty, “Shootout erupts on South Side after man allegedly attempts to recover stolen vehicle, WGN-TV, January 28, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 30, 2024 (ABC 7 Chicago)

The 23-year-old man was walking in the 5400-block of North Winthrop Avenue in the city’s Edgewater neighborhood just after 4:20 a.m., when a white sedan and dark-colored SUV approached, CPD said.

A male suspect got out of one of the cars, pulled out a gun and demanded the man give him his belongings, police said.

The victim, who has a Firearm Owners Identification card and CCL, also pulled out a gun, and there was a shootout, police said.

The man was not injured, and the suspect got back into the SUV empty-handed, according to police…

ABC7 Chicago Digital Team, “Edgewater shooting: Man with CCL gets into shootout with would-be robber, Chicago police say,” ABC 7 Chicago, January 30, 2024.

McDonough, Georgia, January 30, 2024 (Hoodline)

In an incident that turned the tables on a suspected armed crook, a 20-year-old man was shot multiple times after he reportedly robbed his victims at gunpoint, Henry County Police divulged. The shooting occurred on Jan. 30 when police responded to the chaotic scene in the 1600 block of Saddle Creek Drive, as per FOX 5 Atlanta, only to discover Artavious Reed with gunshot wounds after he allegedly assaulted the victims and fired at their vehicle.

As the confrontation escalated, a victim, exercising their right to self-defense unleashed a barrage of bullets striking Reed repeatedly, this account of the self-defense action was corroborated by the Henry County Police Department. Reed, who has a history as a convicted felon, faces a litany of charges including Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and illegal firearm possession, according to information from Henry County officials sourced from WSB-TV.

Investigators pieced together the puzzle linking Reed to not just this incident but also to two more armed robberies that occurred earlier utilizing several search warrants and surveillance footage. The identities of the persons subjected to Reed’s violent spree were withheld from the press as the investigation progresses…

Bella Cruz, “Suspect Wounded by Victims in Self-Defense Shooting After Multiple Armed Robberies in Henry County,” Hoodline, February 16, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, January 31, 2024 (CWB Chicago)

A tow truck driver opened fire on two competitors over a job, only to learn the hard way that the competitors were armed concealed-carry license holders, according to prosecutors, who have now charged the man with two counts of attempted murder…

In a Chicago Police Department report, officers said Soto got into an argument with the other drivers over a towing assignment in the 4600 block of West Harrison around 10 a.m. Soto left, then returned and began shooting at the other tow drivers, striking one, a 58-year-old man, in the arm, according to the report. The other driver, 36, was not injured.

Both of the drivers he shot at pulled out their own firearms and shot back, striking Soto throughout his body, officials said. Soto fled the scene, but Chicago cops found him at Loyola University Medical Center…

CWB Chicago Staff, “Tow truck driver critically injured after opening fire on two competitors who are concealed-carry gun owners: prosecutors,” CWB Chicago, February 12, 2024.

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