TX: Concealed Permit Holder Shoots Attacker in Four Star Hotel

Gun Watch ^ | 16 July, 2014 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

Most defensive shootings do not occur in four star hotels.   But on the 6th floor of the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio last Saturday, the 12th of July, there was an exception.

An occupant of the hotel, Moises Torres, 34, is said to have been creating a disturbance in the hallway, breaking light fixtures and banging on doors, saying "he was looking for someone to kill".  At least one person called security.   When the CHL (concealed handgun license) permit holder thought Torres was gone, he opened his door.   He reported that Torres charged him and the woman with him.   He shot Torres once, ending the attack.   It was about 1 p.m.   From ksat.com:

One man heard what was going on and called hotel security. That man, described to be in his 40s, waited until he thought it was safe and opened the door to his room.

Police said when he opened the door, Torres allegedly charged at the man and a woman who was with him. The man drew a pistol and fired once at Torres, shooting him in the chest.

The shooters size or condition was not stated.   A person in their "40s" covers considerable ground.   Readers will note that more people are murdered with hands and feet in the United States than are murdered with rifles.    The police are investigating the situation.    It is likely that there are other guests that can collaborate some of the details.  We know that there was at least one other witness, the woman mentioned.  Certainly physical evidence, such as broken light fixtures, the position of the body, blood drop analysis and other forensic techniques could be used to verify or discredit details of the shooter's account of the story.   This is why I caution students,  if they have the misfortune to be involved in a shooting, not to disturb the crime scene or move a body.   If you were justified, the physical evidence will be consistent with your version of events, just as it eventually was found to be in the George Zimmerman case.

 Massad Ayoob recommends that you say necessary things, such as pointing out evidence that police might miss, for example.  Remember that everything you say can and likely will, be used against you in a court of law.

People with concealed carry permits are much less likely to commit violent crimes than the general population, or even police officers. 

 ©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.    Link to Gun Watch

[marktwain]

Attacking a man with a woman is a bad idea, because men tend to instinctively react to protect the woman.

[Ingtar]

I hate it when I get shot in my four star hotel. Good thing I don’t attack anyone.

[Westbrook]

> Moises Torres, 34

Probably one of the child immigrants from Central America.

[Gamecock]

I’m not sure why he wanted to look outside the room to see if the perp was still there.

Still, the creep asked for it.

[Politicalkiddo]

Good. The world just got a tiny bit safer.

[txrefugee]

Attacking anyone in Texas is a bad idea, because there is a better than even chance that you will end up dead.

[metmom]

Works for me.

The world just became a little bit safer.

I wonder what kind of rap sheet the guy had.

[wideawake]

I’m not sure why he wanted to look outside the room to see if the perp was still there.

Maybe he didn't feel like spending his entire trip in his hotel room.

[IronJack]

I think maybe the witnesses mis-heard Senor Torres. He was actually saying “I’m looking for some to kill ... ME.”

He found him.

[ken5050]

Now it’s a “Four Star + one bullet hole” hotel

[CGASMIA68]

Maybe he wanted to leave his room

[ExTxMarine]

I’m not sure why he wanted to look outside the room to see if the perp was still there.

If this evil shooter had just minded his own business, my poor, innocent boy would still be alive today! He was a good boy, he was just starting to turn his life around; this was just senseless violence all because that man didn't stay in his truck...uh...er...I mean, hotel room.

Is the /s tag necessary?

[Gamecock]

Did I say the creep didn’t deserve it?

[rfreedom4u]

other guests that can collaborate some of the details

I believe that should be “corroborate”

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Other details gleaned elsewhere.

Witnesses and family members told police that Puerto Rico resident Moises Torres, 34, had been “suffering from some un-diagnosed mental issues recently,” according to preliminary information released Monday.

He started to bang on a door, and when a witness opened it, Torres said he was “looking for someone to kill,” police said. The witness slammed the door, so Torres banged on another one, police said.

John Neal, 43, was inside that room, but did not open the door right away, according to police. Neal waited until he thought Torres had left before opening the door and calling security, police said. Torres then charged at Neal and another woman, according to police. Neal drew a pistol and fired one shot at Torres, stopping him in the doorway.

Emergency medical technicians treated Torres, but he died at the scene.

“We don’t know him like that,” said Ernie Alvarez, the president of the Puerto Rico Surfing Federation, where Torres had volunteered. Torres was married and had two young children, his friend said.

[ExTxMarine]

Apparently you didn’t understand my subtle reference to the argument made by so many Trayvon Martin supporters and either don’t understand the “/s” notation, or you didn’t see it.

Either way, have a nice day.

[armydawg505]

Died at the scene? No more problems in that hotel for a while.

[Oatka]

“He shot Torres once, ending the attack.”

Has a nice ring to it.

[S.O.S121.500]

I’m not sure why he wanted to look outside the room to see if the perp was still there.

---

Might have been Marine Corps training to run towards gunfire rather than assume the fetal posture.....

[RobinOfKingston]

“... collaborate some of the details”?