U-T San Diego reports
After two wild shots the bad guy took the gun from him and bashed him in the face with it. Luckily, robbery was the only intention.Harry Mathis, who turned 79 on Thursday, fired two shots at a masked gunman who confronted him in the garage of his Sandburg Avenue house about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday after returning home from Mayor Jerry Sanders’ State of the City speech.
The robber demanded cash, and the two struggled over Mathis’ gun. He suffered a head injury when he was beaten with the weapon.
Mathis’ wife and a neighbor were being held hostage inside the single-story home by two other masked men.
This is an example of how the concealed carry weapon can make matters worse. The masked home-invaders must have had a strong aversion to committing murder, otherwise Mr. Mathis would have ensured his own demise by coming out with a gun that he was not able to use effectively.
In spite of what the macho gun-rights, self-defense types tell us, this is a more likely result than a clean and defensive action which will save the day.
What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.
mikeb30200 said:"...this is a more likely result than a clean and defensive action...."
ReplyDeleteAnd the Survey Says? buzzz 0
You have no evidence to support your opinion. If you kept even an ear open to the news, you would know that there have bee several DGU's that didn't result in the firearm being used against the victim.
Let's take for instance this 68-year-old woman from South Caralina. The bad guy tried to push his way inside her home. The woman then blocked the door way and brandished her own weapon, causing the man to flee
story here
Over in Ohio, a bad guy threatens a business owner, leaves, comes back with weapon, threatens owner again, bad guy get's dead. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, he should have just stayed home.
story here
Looking over at N.C, a buglar was shot and killed after he and his partner burst into someone home. According to the article Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday morning residents of this home on North Wilkes Street in Chadbourn say two men forced their way in. They kicked in the door, knocking the frame loose.
The homeowner fired a shotgun, but it's unclear if the homeowner fired the fatal shot, or if the bad guy was shot by his partner.
story here
I doubt anyone will publish tactical details of the encounter. When a criminal has the element of surprise, there is always a chance that they get the drop on you and a concealed pistol wouldn't be helpful. Because it takes time to draw a pistol and point it at an attacker, the citizen's best friend is distance, cover, and distraction. Maybe those were not available to him or he could not move fast enough at his tender age of 79. That is why I am always prepared mentally to throw car keys away from the attacker. You force the attacker to choose between you and your car. Most of the time they will go for the car. At the very least it will distract them and you may be able to get the drop on the attacker.
ReplyDeleteThe other problem is getting into and out of vehicles. Citizens are incredibly distracted getting into and out of a vehicle and the vehicle and/or garage obstruct a lot of your view.
All that said, this is the first instance where I have heard of an attacker wrestling a pistol away from an armed citizen. I am sure it has happened a couple other times. At the same time I disagree with MikeB's statement that it is a more likely result that a criminal will take away an armed citizen's gun than the citizen using it defensively. Where are your sources of data?
How did this guy get a carry license in California? Noting that he's a politician, I have to ask Mikeb if this isn't an example of how those in power can get what they want?
ReplyDelete