PA:CCW Holder stops Crime Spree, Kills Suspect

Gun Watch ^ | 6 February, 2015 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

A 67-Year-Old CCW permit holder stopped a crime spree and a budding criminal career on Wednesday, 4 February, 2015 in Cobbs Creek Park in Pennsylvania.   The victim was walking along a path when the assailant, wearing a mask and brandishing a pistol, ran up to him, demanding that he "Give it up, give me all you got" according to the Upper Darby Police.

The intended victim did not play the expected role.  He used a classic defensive technique, grabbing the assailant's gun while drawing his own.  The 67-Year-Old fired one shot to the attacker's head, killing him and ending the attack.  From 6abc.com:

"He was really shook up - really upset. And I told him point blank. I said, 'You did what you had to do and as far as I'm concerned I don't see any criminal charges forthcoming,'" said Supt. Chitwood.

Police say the suspect had a half dozen cell phones, a mask and the weapon he had was actually a pellet gun.

The changing police attitudes toward armed Americans are clearly seen in the above quote.   The change in attitudes is commonly seen as the number of armed Americans increases after the passage of "shall issue" concealed carry laws.  Some police are skeptical at first, especially in the higher, administrative ranks.  Then, as experience grows, and lives, including police lives, are saved, police accept the program and then become proponents of it.

 Superintendent Chitwood

Another point that is highlighted by this event is the necessity of watching for accomplices.   The victim noticed another man who was hiding in the brush, who ran off when the assailant was killed.   It is impossible to be sure that he was an accomplice, but it seems likely.   Often, a victim who shows a high level of situational awareness deters further attack.

The number of cell phones in the attacker's possession indicates that the 67-Year-Old was not the first victim that day.  It is almost certain that the armed American stopped a crime spree.   

 One neighbor said:  "You know, you have to protect yourself."

Another neighbor who was interviewed said that a friend of his was beaten and severely injured in the park previously.  From the video:

Saul Cohen said it happened to my neighbor next door, about two months ago. They tried to rob him in the park, almost killed him."

The 67-Year-Old victim was taken to the hospital with chest pains.  He is expected to recover.   It is likely that numerous crimes were prevented.

©2015 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
Link to Gun Watch

[Frank_2001]

“Maybe it’s just me, but the word ‘Holder’ being in a sentence describing a proper response to criminal behavior just seems wrong.”

LOL For a second there, I thought he finally grew a set of balls! ;)

[tet68]

I kept reading that as Eric Holder.....Bwhahahahahah.

[zipper]

Great story — I love happy endings.

[boomop1]

Absolutly.

[Bob]

Whether they’re covered by the firearms laws or not, if one’s pointed at me, I’m proceeding on the presumption that it’s a real gun.

[Stentor]

It should be noted that even a pellet pistol (either BB or pellet) is considered a hand held firearm and subject to all the laws that pertain to both purchasing and carrying of such weapon regardless of caliber.......

Definition in Pennsylvania: "Firearm." Any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable. 18 Pa.C.S. § 6102: Definitions

[Hot Tabasco]

Definition in Pennsylvania:

OK, so what's your point? A pistol is a pistol regardless of its caliber.......

[Stentor]

18 Pa.C.S. § 6106: Firearms not to be carried without a license : (e) Definitions.-- (1) For purposes of subsection (b)(3), (4), (5), (7) and (8), the term "firearm" shall include any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of the weapon. (2) As used in this section, the phrase "place of instruction" shall include any hunting club, rifle club, rifle range, pistol range, shooting range, the premises of a licensed firearms dealer or a lawful gun show or meet.

My point is that air guns are not firearms in Pennsylvania.

[Hot Tabasco]

I stand corrected. However, while I can purchase an air pistol in Pennsylvania, I can't legally transport it into Michigan without registering it..........

And as a side not, here in Michigan, you can't purchase an air pistol without either a CCW permit or a purchase permit from your local law enforcement agency.......

FWIW, I have what is probably the very last crossman bb pistol sold by K-Mart without a permit to purchase..........

I don't know how long ago it was but it was a little known law that K-Mart was not aware of when they were selling the pistols. Literally a week after I purchased mine, KMart was busted for selling them......

[Stentor]

FWIW, I have what is probably the very last crossman bb pistol sold by K-Mart without a permit to purchase..........

That's mental. Hoping this libtard we have for governor doesn't get any traction. We don't have it half bad.

[Red in Blue PA]

My point is that air guns are not firearms in Pennsylvania.

If I see a gun pointed at me, and I am believe it to be real, then under PA law, that air gun is, for all intents and purposes, a real gun.

I live in PA.

[Stentor]

I live in PA.

True. But it will never be a firearm and require a license to carry it. I live in West Camden. My PA LTCF is good there. (;>)

[libstripper]

OMG, he could be the brother of St. Trayvon of the Skittles (SBUH). At least they can burn in Hell together with Michael Brown (SBUH).

[sickoflibs]

Another one!

[Rodamala]

Boom. Headshot.

[Rodamala]

So... there are 2 different definitions of a firearm in PA law. I was told that you don’t need a permit to carry a long gun in your car... because only pistols are “firearms”.

[School of Rational Thought]

Upper Darby. Cobbs Creek. These are placed to avoid.

[Stentor]

I was told that you don’t need a permit to carry a long gun in your car... because only pistols are “firearms”.

§6106.1. Carrying Loaded Weapons Other Than Firearms.

(a) General rule.—Except as provided in Title 34 (relating to game), no person shall carry a loaded pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle, other than a firearm as defined in section 6102 (relating to definitions), in any vehicle The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons excepted from the requirement of a license to carry firearms under section 6106(b)( 1), (2), (5) or (6) (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license) nor shall the provisions of this section be construed to permit persons to carry firearms in a vehicle where such conduct is prohibited by section 6106.

(b) Penalty.—A person who violates the provisions of this section commits a summary offense.

18 Pa.C.S. § 6108: Carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia * No person shall carry a firearm, rifle or shotgun at any time upon the public streets or upon any public property in a city of the first class unless: o (1) such person is licensed to carry a firearm; or o (2) such person is exempt from licensing under section 6106(b) of this title (relating to firearms not to be carried without a license).

Clear as mud? Bolding is mine.

[NFHale]

That’s what happens when you mess with other people.

Sometimes... They mess back with you ...

[daler]

My goodness, did he have to kill the poor boy?

Couldn't he have tried to talk to him? /s