Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 21 Cases During February 2026

Jul 25, 2026 | Defensive Gun Use

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, February 2, 2026 (WBRZ)

An arrest warrant for Daylin Woods says that he was with his girlfriend, Savannah Spears, when he ordered a to-go meal from the LJK Roun 2 Cafe on Feb. 2. After he paid and left with the food, Woods reportedly called the restaurant to say his meal was wrong. A worker told police they hung up the phone because Woods was yelling and cursing while the employee was trying to help him…

Woods allegedly put a gun on the counter while continuing to argue. The employee notified the restaurant’s owner to call the police. The owner told all of the staff to get into the walk-in freezer while she waited for authorities to arrive.

The owner reportedly told Woods and Spears to leave repeatedly and grabbed her own gun. The warrant says Woods and the owner shot at one another, striking her in the abdomen.

Woods allegedly walked out and shot the building twice before leaving.

Woods is wanted for attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons and aggravated criminal damage to property. Spears is wanted as a principal to all of those charges.

Logan Cullop, “Police seek 2 accused of shooting Baton Rouge restaurant owner after receiving wrong food order,” WBRZ, March 3, 2026.

Jacksonville, Florida, February 3, 2026 (WOKV)

A man was sitting in his car late Tuesday in the 1000 block of Crestwood Street in Jacksonville’s North Shore neighborhood when he was approached by four people armed with guns.

The incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m., according to a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office news release. The armed suspects commanded the victim to get out of the car.

The man complied, exited the car, and then there was an exchange of gunfire between the victim and the suspects, the news release states.

The victim shot two of the assailants; one in the leg, the other in the back, the news release states. “The injuries the suspects sustained are considered non life threatening at this time,” police said…

ActionNewsJax.com News Staff, “Man accosted by 4 gunmen while sitting in car on Northside, shoots 2 of them, suspects detained,” WOKV, February 4, 2026.

Arlington, Texas, February 9, 2026 (WFAA)

Officers responded to a shooting call around 3:50 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, in the 2600 block of East Lamar Boulevard, the Arlington Police Department said in a press release…

Investigators found that the woman came to the gas station carrying a knife and approached a Jeep parked at one of the pumps, where a man was pumping gas, and his wife was inside the vehicle. The woman then began hitting the Jeep with the knife, police said.

The man went to another vehicle parked nearby, and the woman followed him and began striking that vehicle with a knife, the release states.

The man then retrieved a gun and warned the woman, who continued to move toward him, police said. The man then shot the woman in the leg, officials said.

The man and his wife were uninjured and remained on the scene, the release states. No charges have been filed as a result of the incident.

Rachel Behrndt, “Man shoots woman during alleged knife attack at an Arlington gas station, police say,” WFAA, February 9, 2026.

Houston, Texas, February 10, 2026 (Click2Houston.com)

According to HPD, officers were called to the 5300 block of Rampart in the South Gessner area after reports of a shooting.

Investigators say a man had just left a nearby gun range and was driving home when he was followed by three suspects.

Police said the suspects attempted to rob the man and grabbed a bag containing guns. The victim was armed with two guns, and a shootout ensued involving multiple firearms. During the exchange, the victim shot one of the suspects in the chin area…

Michael Horton, Corley Peel, and Ricky Munoz, “‘Gun jugging’: Man shoots suspect after robbers follow his car from gun range in SW Houston,” Click2Houston.com, February 11, 2026.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 10, 2026 (NBC Philadelphia)

According to Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small, the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. along the 7300 block of Bunting Place, in Southwest Philadelphia, when an off-duty officer for the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office spotted someone breaking into his private vehicle.

Small said “for reasons unknown at this time,” the officer fired his gun at the the individual inside the vehicle, a Honda Accord. Another member of the officer’s family also fired his gun at the teen, Small said…

The officer and the family member were not injured in this incident and, Small said, they are both cooperating as police investigate this incident.

Also, he noted, the family member involved in this incident had a license to carry the gun that was used in the shooting…

Hayden Mitman and Aaron Baskerville, “Teen shot after off-duty deputy, family member fire at him, Philly police say,” NBC Philadelphia, February 10, 2026.

Culver City, California, February 13, 2026 (KTLA)

The incident occurred on Feb. 13 as Culver City police responded to a shooting on the 6000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard just before 7:30 p.m.

Based on evidence gathered, detectives determined the incident was a robbery that escalated into a shooting.

Witnesses reportedly saw four people involved in the violent confrontation before shots were fired and two people were struck by gunfire outside the busy mall…

“At this time, investigators believe there are additional individuals involved who were victims of the robbery,” Culver City police said. “Detectives are actively seeking to identify and speak with these individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.”…

Vivian Chow, “Man killed after shots fired outside Culver City mall was robbery suspect, police say,” KTLA, February 18, 2026.

Spartanburg, South Carolina, February 14, 2026 (FOX Carolina)

Around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, officers were called to the 400 block of Powell Mill Road, near Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, according to police…

According to officers, as the woman and her friend were driving toward the city on Powell Mill Road, Leal-Resendiz followed them in his vehicle. The woman was in the passenger’s seat, and her friend was driving.

As the woman and her friend neared the entrance of Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School, Leal-Resendiz hit their vehicle, causing both to spin out. Both vehicles came to rest about 30 feet past the school’s entrance, police said.

According to statements provided at the scene, Leal-Resendiz left his vehicle, approached the passenger side of the other car and tried to forcibly remove the woman from the car. Police say the woman told him to leave her alone.

During the altercation, the male friend produced a firearm and discharged one round, hitting Leal-Resendiz in the chest, according to officers…

Lorenza Medley, “Ex-boyfriend injured, charged after clash with woman ends in shooting, police say,” FOX Carolina, February 18, 2026.

Jacksonville, Florida, February 14, 2026 (ActionNewsJax.com)

Two men were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a shooting early Saturday morning on College Street, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the incident happened around 2:08 a.m. when an argument between the two men escalated.

The victim was sitting in his car when the suspect approached and fired multiple shots. Both the victim and his girlfriend returned fire, hitting the suspect.

The victim was shot in the shoulder, while the suspect was struck in the abdomen and foot…

ActionNewsJax.com News Staff, “Shooting on College Street leaves two men injured,” ActionNewsJax.com, February 14, 2026.

Mobile, Alabama, February 15, 2026 (NBC 15)

One man was killed and eight others were wounded in the incidents, which happened within minutes of each other, and just blocks apart, late Sunday night on February 15 in the downtown entertainment district.

Investigators say Javeli Alexander was trying to rob a man and take his jewelry when the two exchanged gunfire in the parking lot at Government and Joachim. Police say at least 28 rounds were fired. Bullets hit unoccupied cars, trailers and a portable toilet. Police have since arrested Rodney Davis and charged him with felony murder under Alabama law for a death that resulted from the alleged attempted robbery.

The victim of the robbery attempt arrived at a local hospital in a private vehicle, police say…

Brad Gunther, “9-1-1 transcripts detail panic in twin downtown Mobile shootings,” NBC 15, February 24, 2026.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 15, 2026 (KRQE)

A suspected burglar is behind bars Monday evening after police said a Nob Hill business owner shot him in the act. Police said that around 4 a.m. on Sunday, a man broke into Cardboard Collectors and then returned with another suspect over an hour later. Police said that during the second burglary, the owner of a neighboring business intervened and shot one of the burglars, but both of them took off…

Montoya is now facing several charges. The store owner who shot Montoya is not facing charges.

Jordan Honeycutt, “Albuquerque Police: Burglary suspect arrested after Nob Hill business owner shoots him,” KRQE, February 17, 2026.

Fort Worth, Texas, February 18, 2026 (WFAA)

According to officers on the scene, a man had attempted to rob several people before exchanging gunfire with one. The suspect was struck by a bullet and stumbled to the parking lot of a nearby apartment complex. Police responded to the incident just after 11 p.m. Wednesday in the 6000 block of White Dove Drive…

Maci Smith, “Police investigating attempted robberies and shooting on Fort Worth’s east side, officials say,” WFAA, February 19, 2026.

Beaumont, Texas, February 20, 2026 (KFDM)

Police say through further investigation, witness accounts and video surveillance, it was determined January, Brenden Earnest, 17, along with two juveniles, acted together as perpetrators to carry out a plot to rob an individual.

During the robbery last Friday, February 20 near Avenue B and Harriot, behind the Family Dollar, police say all four suspects attacked the target of the robbery and fired shots at him. The victim returned fire at the suspects, striking January, who died in a grassy field near the store…

Scott Lawrence, “Juveniles surrender, accused of acting with Jayson January to rob victim who shot back,” KFDM, February 25, 2026.

Bridgeview, Illinois, February 21, 2026 (ABC7 Chicago)

Bridgeview police said the shooting happened near Que Ball Billiards & Bar at 7735 South Harlem Avenue around 2:30 a.m…

Bridgeview police said one group was playing pool inside the business when another group entered. The first group left from inside, only to be followed by the second group.

Words were exchanged, and a man from the second group began to brandish a gun.

A concealed carry license holder from the first group retrieved a gun from his vehicle, and gunfire was exchanged. Both men were hit…

ABC7 Chicago Digital Team, “2 shot, 1 fatally, outside Bridgeview bar and pool hall, police say,” ABC7 Chicago, February 21, 2026.
Jeramie Bizzle, ”2 men shot, 1 fatally, outside bar and billiard hall in Bridgeview,” CBS News, February 22, 2026.

Clearwater, Florida, February 21, 2026 (IONTB.com)

Clearwater Police have identified the man shot Saturday night at the Royal Breeze Apartments as Josten Pack, 36, of Clearwater…

Detectives said Pack threatened a man and a woman with a knife outside the apartment complex. The man, fearing for his life and the life of his girlfriend, shot Pack…

Steven Hirschfield, “Clearwater Man Shot After Allegedly Threatening Couple With Knife; Charged With Aggravated Assault,” IONTB.com, February 22, 2026.

Honolulu, Hawaii, February 21, 2026 (Island News)

Around 1:44 a.m. on Saturday, two men wearing black hoodies entered the gym while carrying AR-15 style rifles. They pointed the rifles at people inside the gym.

The 35-year-old gym owner grabbed his own firearm and confronted the suspects. The suspects were outside the building when gunfire was exchanged between them and the owner.

The two suspects then ran away on foot and have not been found…

Carly Yoshida, “Armed suspects open fire at Mapunapuna gym,” Island News, February 24, 2026.

Miami, Florida, February 21, 2026 (Local10.com)

Deputies responded to Wawa at 11990 SW 137 Ave., in the Hammocks neighborhood, and the parking lot of Sergio’s Restaurant at 13550 SW 120 St., in the Three Lakes neighborhood.

Diaz-Caraballo reported his friend told him Hussien and his brothers had threatened him at the Wawa at 11990 SW 137 Ave., so he responded, and “shot one round,” according to deputies.

Rasheed Hussien reported that he and his brothers were at Wawa when a group of men was “mugging them and saying things to them in Spanish,” and then outside Diaz-Caraballo shot at them, according to deputies.

Hussien said he ran to the parking lot at 13550 SW 120 St., grabbed a firearm from his brother’s parked black Infiniti, G375, and “in self-defense, he shot several rounds” at Diaz-Caraballo, records showed…

On Sunday, prosecutors filed a case against Diaz-Caraballo, who appeared in bond court. A judge ordered him to stay away from the three Hussien brothers…

Andrea Torres, “Man faces charges after shooting near Miami Executive Airport,” Local10.com,February 23, 2026.

Las Vegas, Nevada, February 22, 2026 (8 News Now)

On Sunday around 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Metro police received a 911 call reporting that a man was chasing another man with a gun in the 1100 block of South Fort Apache Road near Charleston Boulevard. The 911 call was then updated that shots were fired, according to LVMPD Homicide Lt. Robert Price…

Preliminary details showed that an ex-employee came to a business and started a confrontation with an employee. During the confrontation, the ex-employee began to chase the employee with a gun, Price said.

Another employee then grabbed his firearm from his vehicle and shot the ex-employee who was chasing the employee with a gun…

Linsey Lewis, “Employee allegedly shot, killed ex-employee who chased man with gun at west Las Vegas valley business,” 8 News Now, February 23, 2026.

Wilson, North Carolina, February 23, 2026 (The Wilson Times)

“The DA’s office has deemed this case a self-defense case,” Samuel said. “No charges will be issued against Isaiah Quawi Farden, 20, of Greenville.”

Farden was driving on U.S. 264/Interstate 587 at the 22-mile marker near Downing Street in Wilson County about 7:18 a.m. on Feb. 23 when he had an encounter with another driver, identified as Anthony Alan Cape, 39, of Goldsboro…

“It was reported that Farden possibly merged into Cape’s lane of travel, cutting him off, which started the aggressive behavior and reckless driving,” Samuel said in a news release last week. “At some point, Cape does a PIT maneuver and runs into the back of Farden’s car, causing him to run off the roadway and crash.” Samuel added, “Cape exited his vehicle and walks to Farden’s car and opens his door.”

It is at this time that Farden opens fire on Cape, striking him, Samuel said…

Drew C. Wilson, “Sheriff: Road rage shooting deemed self-defense,” The Wilson Times, March 2, 2026.

Durham, North Carolina, February 26, 2026 (CBS 17)

According to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 30-year-old Mohamed Aly died from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the Feb. 26 incident, which occurred just before 5 p.m. at Randy’s Pizza on South Miami Boulevard…

According to a medical examiner’s investigative report, the two men were involved in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation behind the counter of the restaurant. Another employee briefly separated them and told them to cool down.

However, the report states the argument resumed moments later, with Aly allegedly throwing a glove at Rawlinson. Rawlinson then pulled a handgun and opened fire, shooting Aly three times.

Authorities said Aly fell to the floor of the kitchen, at which point Rawlinson walked closer and fired three additional shots.

An armed customer followed Rawlinson outside the restaurant and held him at gunpoint until officers with the Durham Police Department arrived and took him into custody. Aly was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rawlinson has been charged with first-degree murder…

Keaton Eberly and Matthew Sockol, “Man shot six times during argument in deadly Durham pizzeria shooting, autopsy shows,” CBS 17, April 1, 2026.

Sanford, Florida, February 27, 2026 (ClickOrlando.com)

The shooting happened Friday at the 7-Eleven on West 25th Street near West Airport Boulevard…

“McKever was with a group of people, and they all engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim, Terrance Jerard Riggins,” a release from the police department reads. “During the altercation, KcKever used a firearm to shoot at Terrance, who shot back at McKever with his own firearm.”…

McKever was ultimately arrested and now faces charge of criminal mischief and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon…

Christie Zizo, Alex Cook, and Anthony Talcott, “Detectives look for answers after shootout at Sanford gas station,” ClickOrlando.com, February 27, 2026.

Saint Louis, Missouri, February 28, 2026 (FOX 2 Now)

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reports the shooting happened around 11 a.m. Saturday in the 1200 block of South 13th Street, just west of the city’s LaSalle Park neighborhood…

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has refused charges for a 19-year-old arrested in connection with Ballard’s death…

Joey Schneider, “Man shot, killed Saturday morning in south St. Louis,” FOX 2 Now, April 2, 2026.

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