Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns in Public: 24 Cases During April 2024

Jul 19, 2024 | Defensive Gun Use

Deland, Florida, April 1, 2024 (WFTV.com)

Deputies responded to Dixie’s Gentlemen’s Club along US-17 near DeLand shortly before 2 a.m…

Detectives said Collins pulled a gun on another man outside the nightclub, and believe that man fired a shot at Collins’ vehicle in self-defense.

The man who fired the gun is not facing any charges at this point, according to Volusia Sheriff’s Office…

WFTV.com News Staff, “Man fires gun in self defense outside DeLand gentlemen’s club, deputies say,” WFTV.com, April 1, 2024.

Memphis, Tennessee, April 1, 2024 (WREG)

The standoff at the Whitehaven apartment is over…

Preliminary information indicated that the male suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment after firing shots at two victims.

After further investigation, it has been determined that the second victim who was not injured during the initial altercation returned fire, striking the man located inside the apartment who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

No charges have been filed and MPD said the investigation is ongoing…

David Royer, Raven Moore, and Ashley Paul, “Standoff at Whitehaven apartment over, shooting suspect dead,” WREG, April 1, 2024.

Norway, Maine, April 1, 2024 (WGME)

A Maine woman has been arrested after a neighbor discovered her breaking into a home in Norway and held her at gunpoint until police arrived, according to the Sun Journal…

The Sun Journal reports that a man heard a banging noise followed by glass breaking at his neighbor’s home on King St. on Monday.

He reportedly picked up a handgun and went to investigate. According to the Sun Journal, he discovered the suspect trying to break into the home. She stopped and they waited for the police to arrive…

Ariana St Pierre, “Neighbor reportedly holds Maine burglary suspect at gunpoint until police arrive,” WGME, April 3, 2024.

Murray, Utah, April 3, 2024 (FOX 13 Salt Lake City)

Police responded to reports of a shooting at 10:45 p.m. on April 3 in the parking lot of EOS Fitness at 5550 South 900 East in Murray. When they arrived, they found the victim with gunshot wounds…

Documents report Mila approached the victim as she was walking to her car and then she was seen a few minutes later on surveillance footage limping back towards the gym.

Through witness interviews, statements and video, investigators discovered the woman possessed a concealed carry permit and exchanged fire with Mila after he demanded, at gunpoint, that she give him her car keys…

Laura Polacheck, “Woman with concealed carry permit shot suspect trying to steal car, officials say,” FOX 13 Salt Lake City, April 19, 2024.

Redlands, California, April 5, 2024 (Patch)

An altercation last week in Redlands ended with a man being shot, but no arrest was made, police said.

At about 1:30 p.m. Friday, paramedics were called to the shooting near Redlands Boulevard and New York Street. Emergency crews found a 40-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds while the shooter remained at the scene, according to the Redlands Police Department.

According to witnesses, the victim confronted the suspect on Park Avenue, south of Redlands Boulevard, “and a physical altercation occurred,” police said.

During the altercation, the suspect fired several shots, wounding the victim…

The shooter was taken into custody and questioned before being released.

“[The shooter] was in lawful possession of the firearm, which was collected at the scene,” police said. “The investigation is continuing, and a report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges are warranted.”…

Toni McAllister, “Physical Altercation Leads To Shooting In Redlands, Suspect Questioned,” Patch, April 8, 2024.

Sparks, Nevada, April 6, 2024 (2 News Nevada)

Sparks Police say a fatal shooting earlier this month was justified.

Officers responded to the parking garage at the Nugget just before 6 a.m. on April 6th and found a man, later identified as Vincent Wilks shot dead.

After investigating, detectives say Nicholas Galyon shot Wilks after he pointed a gun at him during a drug deal.

Police say Galyon was not involved in the deal but had driven someone to the parking garage who was involved…

2 News Nevada Staff, “Sparks Police: Deadly Weekend Shooting Was Justified,” 2 News Nevada, April 18, 2024.

Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, April 7, 2024 (Local10.com)

BSO deputies and Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue said they responded to a shooting call near the 3100 block of Northwest 41st Street last Sunday around 11 a.m…

According to witnesses, Whittle attempted to fight Brown over an ongoing feud, BSO said.

During the fight, another subject attempted to defuse the fight when Whittle pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, according to detectives.

The subject, who was also armed, then pulled out his weapon and returned fire, deputies confirmed.

The subject, who has not been identified by authorities, was taken into custody for questioning and later released…

Ryan Mackey, “Deputies ID victims in fatal Lauderdale Lakes double shooting,” Local10.com, April 10, 2024.

Macon, Georgia, April 9, 2024 (13WMAZ)

It happened at the Riverview Hotel, located at 205 Broadway in south Macon just after 3 a.m.

36-year-old Eric Ivan Searcy-Bryson was trying to break into a parked Mercedes Sedan where a person was sleeping.  When the person inside woke up to him trying to break in they shot Searcy-Bryson. He was taken to Atrium Health Navicent where he was later pronounced dead.

No one else was injured in the shooting…

13WMAZ Staff, “BSO: 36-year-old man shot and killed after trying to break into a car at a Macon hotel,” 13WMAZ, April 9, 2024.

Hialeah, Florida, April 10, 2024 (NBC Miami)

Hialeah Police officials said officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 4000 block of West 13th Lane around 6:40 a.m. and found a man dead at the scene.

Police spokesperson Eddie Rodriguez said the man who died, identified as 26-year-old Christian Rueda, arrived at his ex’s place and saw another man leaving the house…

“During the fight, the ex-boyfriend continues to attack this male. The male advises him several times that he is armed and to stop the attack, and (Rueda) continues to attack this male that’s leaving the house,” Rodriguez said. “The male takes out a firearm and the ex-boyfriend grabs the firearm, and now they’re wrestling for this firearm. They’re wrestling back and forth when the gun goes off.”

Rueda was shot in the chest, killing him, police said…

Police later determined the shooting was self-defense and justifiable, and that Huggins had a legally concealed gun, officials said in a news release…

NBC6 and Amanda Plasencia, “Man with history of stalking ex fatally shot while fighting with another man: Hialeah Police,” NBC Miami, April 10, 2024.

Boerne, Texas, April 12, 2024 (KSAT.com)

The incident took place outside an apartment complex in the 8700 block of Starr Ranch located off Interstate 10 near Fair Oaks Parkway.

According to the affidavit, Duarte was sitting in the back seat conducting the sale of the gun when he allegedly pointed the gun at one of the men, who pushed the gun away and ran out of the vehicle.

The driver of the other vehicle told police he saw Duarte then point the gun at him, and that is when he grabbed his own gun and fired multiple rounds.

The driver told Bexar County Sheriff Office investigators that his friend then jumped back into his vehicle, and as they drove off he fired a few more rounds.

As soon as they were away from the apartment complex, the driver called 911 to report that he believed he had shot someone after being robbed…

Erica Hernandez, “San Antonio man found not guilty of murder in 2022 faces new murder charge in separate incident,” KSAT.com, April 24, 2024.

Hampton, Virginia, April 12, 2024 (The Virginian-Pilot)

Police responded to an area near the intersection of Jordan Drive and Roxbury Terrace following a report of shots fired at 2:03 p.m. While the officers were there, another call came in referencing a gunshot victim showing up to a hospital, police said in a news release.

The victim was a man from Newport News who had life-threatening injuries. Investigators believe he was in the area identified by the original 911 caller when someone began firing at him, police said, and the man then returned fire.

No one else was injured in the shooting. Police have not shared any further information about the shooter.

Gavin Stone, “Man seriously injured in Hampton shooting,” The Virginian-Pilot, April 12, 2024.

Jonesboro, Arkansas, April 12, 2024 (K8 News)

According to a news release, shortly before 10 p.m. on April 12, officers with the Jonesboro Police Department responded to the Race Street Market at the corner of Richardson Drive and Race Street about a shooting…

Sally Smith, public information specialist for JPD, said Monday, April 15 that Bailey was suspected in “the initial robbery that took place prior to the shooting.”

On Tuesday, April 16, JPD explained in a news release that Bailey and Russell exchanged gunfire and Bailey was killed as a result.

Smith told K8 News that Russell had acted in self-defense during the robbery…

Jorge Quiquivix and K8 Newsdesk, “Police: Victim acted in self-defense in fatal shooting,” K8 News, April 16, 2024.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 15, 2024 (The Advocate)

A Monday shooting that left two dead in the parking lot of an Airline Highway motel was determined to be justified, a Baton Rouge police spokesman said Tuesday afternoon.

The shooting happened shortly before 8:15 p.m. outside the Fountain Motel at 9201 Airline Highway. According to a news release, Michael Beverly, 28, approached several people in the parking lot and began shooting at them with a handgun. One person retrieved a handgun and fired back at Beverly, who died at the scene from gunshot wounds.

Another man who has not been publicly identified was also killed in the crossfire. It is unclear who fired the shot that killed him, police said.

The person who returned fire at Beverly was uninjured and waited at the scene for police to arrive…

Gabby Jimenez, “Airline Highway motel shooting that left 2 people dead was justified, Baton Rouge police say,” The Advocate, April 16, 2024.

Chicago, Illinois, April 15, 2024 (ABC7 Chicago)

A 35-year-old man who is a CCL holder was sitting on a curb with another person in the 500-block of South Jefferson Street at about 2:42 a.m. when police said someone in a dark-colored sedan fired shots.

The man, who is a CCL holder, took out a handgun and returned fire, police said.

No one was injured and no one is in custody, police said.

ABC7 Chicago Digital Team, “CCL holder involved in shootout outside downtown Greyhound bus station, Chicago police say,” ABC7 Chicago, April 15, 2024.

Savannah, Georgia, April 15, 2024 (WJCL)

It happened on the 1900 block of E. President Street…

After reviewing evidence and speaking to witnesses, detectives say the gunfire exchange was the result of a group altercation that began at a business.

Lawton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and transported to the Chatham County Detention Center…

Graham Cawthon, “Police: Victim in late-night Savannah shooting now facing charges,” WJCL, April 16, 2024.

Memphis, Tennessee, April 15, 2024 (New York Post)

Reginald Cook, 26, first tried to rob the Shell gas station on Elvis Presley Boulevard, in Memphis, at around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, local WREG reports.

The suspect had entered the store to make a purchase, but later demanded money from the cashier, who refused, according to the police affidavit.

Cook promptly left, but he returned 30 minutes later to demand the money again — this time reaching into his pockets to make it seem as though he had a weapon, according to the cashier’s testimony.

After the second unsuccessful robbery, police said Cook came back with a shorter temper and a five-foot snake wrapped around his neck.

“Give me the damn money,” Cook allegedly shouted to the frightened cashier.

As Cook reached into his backpack — implying again that he was about to arm himself — the cashier pulled out his own weapon in self-defense, the affidavit states…

Ronny Reyes, “Tennessee man tried to rob gas station with 5-foot-long snake after 2 failed attempts: cops,” New York Post, April 18, 2024.

Deltona, Florida, April 18, 2024 (ClickOrlando.com)

A 37-year-old Deltona man was shot to death by another driver Thursday night in a self-defense road-rage incident in Volusia County, deputies said.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office on Friday said Kenyon Ashley was fatally shot around 9 p.m. on Fisher Drive near Leland Drive…

The driver said he passed a white Dodge Charger that had slowed down in front of him on DeBary Avenue, according to officials. After passing the car, he said the Charger began following him closely with its high beams on, a sheriff’s office news release stated.

The man said the Charger backed off his vehicle but reappeared when he turned off Providence Boulevard onto Fisher Drive, according to the news release. He said the driver then sped up, drove alongside him and pulled in front of him to cut him off, sheriff’s officials stated.

According to authorities, the driver said Ashley then got out of the vehicle and approached him, yelling at him while carrying a gun. The driver said when Ashley raised his gun, he feared for his life and fired several rounds at him, officials stated.

An independent witness also provided a full account of the incident, which matched the shooter’s, sheriff’s officials said…

Anthony Talcott, “Driver fatally shot gunman in self-defense during road rage incident in Deltona, deputies say,” ClickOrlando.com, April 19, 2024.

Chicopee, Massachusetts, April 18, 2024 (WWLP.com)

According to police, officers were called to the area of 1296 Montgomery Street around 6:15 p.m. Thursday for a shooting incident. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office said that police were called due to a report of an attempted armed robbery with shots fired. Upon arrival, police found two men, one suffering from a gunshot wound.

Hampden District Attorney’s Spokesperson Jim Leyon told 22News that 53-year-old Robert Papalardo of South Hadley allegedly attempted to rob a store when gunshots were fired. He was taken to Baystate Medical Center where he died due to his injuries…

John Budenas and Ashley Shook, “South Hadley man killed after allegedly attempting to rob Chicopee store,” WWLP.com, April 19, 2024.

Muncie, Indiana, April 19, 2024 (Muncie Star Press)

City police were sent to KT Pawn, 424 E. 13th St., after dispatchers received a related call at 9:17 a.m. Friday.

According to Deputy Police Chief Melissa Criswell, the caller reported a man entered the business “armed with a blunt instrument and attacked the two employees, injuring both.”

One of the employees then shot the alleged intruder, Criswell said…

Douglas Walker, “Muncie police: Man shot during disturbance in pawn shop,” Muncie Star Press, April 19, 2024.

Terre Haute, Indiana, April 20, 2024 (FOX 59)

The incident happened around 10 p.m. in Candlewood Circle. Ring camera footage from the victim shows the man arriving in his driveway when he notices a red truck following him out in the street. That truck was driven by Dustin L. Roecker, a 35-year-old man from Bloomington, Vigo County Sheriff’s officials said.

Roecker suddenly speeds directly at the victim, crashing into him and his vehicle. The victim jumped as the truck approached him, firing about 10 shots into the truck. Roecker, who was naked, leaped out of the window of his truck before he ran away…

Roecker was charged with attempted murder, auto theft, criminal recklessness, and resisting law enforcement…

Will Price, “WATCH: Indiana man shoots at naked attacker,” FOX 59, April 23, 2024.

Dallas, Texas, April 21, 2024 (IrvingWeekly)

On April 21, 2024, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Dallas Police responded to an assist call in the 700 block of Cantregral Street in Old East Dallas.

According to preliminary findings, a private investigator was attempting to apprehend the suspect, 29-year-old Kaland Spencer for outstanding warrants. During the confrontation, the investigator discharged his firearm, striking Spencer, who had allegedly stolen a bystander’s vehicle and was fleeing the scene…

IrvingWeekly Staff, “Private Investigator Shoots Suspect Fleeing Scene In Old East Dallas,” IrvingWeekly, April 23, 2024.

Little Rock, Arkansas, April 24, 2024 (KARK.com)

On Thursday morning, a police report from the incident identified Chad Green as the suspect who allegedly tried to rob an armored truck driver at a bank ATM in Little Rock.

According to the report, officers responded to the Bank of America on Geyer Springs Road after receiving reports of a shooting just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

After arriving on the scene, officers said a Loomis armored truck driver told them that Green had maced him, leading to him shooting Green “a couple of times.”…

Samantha Boyd, “North Little Rock defense attorney identified as suspect shot in attempted armored truck robbery at Bank of America,” KARK.com, April 25, 2024.

Memphis, Tennessee, April 24, 2024 (FOX13 Memphis)

It all started when a woman and her boyfriend were “relaxing” in the driveway of their home on the 3000 block of Boone Street on April 24, according to the Memphis Police Department (MPD). That was when someone the couple both knew walked up and started arguing with the man…

Walker, 37, then took out a gun and fired several shots at the man, who produced his own weapon and fired back, police said.

According to police, Walker ran off and continued to fire shots when the victim collapsed to the ground…

Walker was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault…

FOX13 Memphis News Staff, “’I’m going to make your mother cry’: Man shot in own driveway during argument, police say,” FOX13 Memphis, April 24, 2024.

San Antonio, Texas, April 27, 2024 (NEWS4SA)

Police responded to reports of a shooting in progress around 3:34 am. near S. Alamo and E. Cesar Chavez Blvd.

According to authorities, they searched the area for a suspect matching the caller’s description. Officers encountered a 22-year-old man who matched the description of one of the individuals involved in the shooting. The man reportedly informed officers he was acting in self-defense, claiming an unknown person fired upon him during an altercation. He stated he returned fire…

No arrests have been made, and the suspect remains unidentified, according to police.

SBG San Antonio Staff, “Downtown shooting: Man claims self-defense in early morning gunfire incident,” NEWS4SA, April 27, 2024.

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