OK: Armed Citizen tells Story to Media at Request of Sheriff

Gun Watch ^ | 22 April, 2015 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

In rural Pottawotamie county in Oklahoma, the Sheriff appreciates the efforts of armed citizens.  I was able to get in touch with the elder Alvin Cleere.   His son had captured a burglar by being observant.   The son, also named Alvin, had noticed a pickup truck at an property were it did not belong.  He checked things out and found that the truck was loaded with stolen goods.   From kfor.com:

He discovered the truck was loaded with stolen property, matresses, fixtures- even a kitchen sink.

This fed up crime fighter pulled the 45 from his pickup.

“That kind of helps out a little bit; I’m too old to fight anymore.”

Alvin held the alleged thief until deputies arrived.

(snip)

Authorities applaud his bravery and willingness to get involved.

Alvin's father said that he was very proud of his son, and gave me a phone number to contact him.  I was interested because the story mentioned that this was the second time in a few weeks where an armed Alvin Cleere had helped to capture criminals.  In both break ins, the suspects were wanted on outstanding warrants.   I did some searching, but was unable to come up with the first instance in which Alvin used a gun to capture a wanted man in the commission of a crime.   It was said to be a home invasion. 

When I contacted Alvin, he immediately explained why I could not find the incident on the Internet.  It was because no story had been written about it.  He only did the interview for the second story because the sheriff had asked him to do so, as a crime fighting measure.

That was good strategy on the part of the sheriff.   Alvin did not wish to talk to me further, but I was glad to learn that the sheriff understands the deterrent effect of armed citizens.  This story illustrates that a great many incidents of the defensive uses of firearms are never reported in the media.  In this case we have a home invasion that was investigated by the Sheriff.  An armed citizen used a firearm to stop the crime and capture a criminal that was wanted on a warrant.  Yet no story was written in the media.  From kfor.com:

Surpringingly, it’s not his first citizen’s arrest.

A few weeks ago, he interrupted another home invasion and captured a wanted felon.

In a rural environment, there are few media outlets.  Wonderful stories can go unreported, simply because no reporter is willing to travel to where the story is.  People who use firearms to stop crimes are often reluctant to lose their privacy. 




 It is obvious that Alvin's .45 was not purchased on the spur of the moment.  It looks to be a semi-custom pistol, or at least of very high quality.   It makes one wonder if Alvin has a concealed carry permit, was in the military, or has shot competition. 

In both of these cases, no one was killed or shot.  The case thus becomes one of the vast majority of defensive gun uses where no shots are fired.


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

[marktwain]

Most crime stopping actions by citizens are not recorded in the media. Either they are not reported, or there is no reporter interested.

[Yashcheritsiy]

PFL

[Yo-Yo]

Uh, no, not me. A CCW is not a badge. I would have noted the details of the truck, called the Sheriff’s office, and observed from a distance. Holding suspects at gunpoint can go south very quickly, and be a life-changing event.

[ShadowAce]

Then why carry?

In case you hadn't noticed, we live in an era of "life-changing events." If you are not going to help your neighbors, then perhaps you belong on a forum other than FR.

[Pollster1]

In case you hadn't noticed, we live in an era of "life-changing events." If you are not going to help your neighbors, then perhaps you belong on a forum other than FR.

That is a tricky question, with a whole lot of variables. I don't blame someone who carries for self-defense but would not step in to defend another's property, nor would I question someone who did step in. It comes down to the tactical situation and your own abilities. It would be unfortunate to get involved and then find that the thug you saw had an armed sidekick you didn't see.

[ShadowAce]

I'm not advocating going in with guns blazing, nor am I advocating going above one's abilities. Quite the opposite.

But the blanket statement that "a CCW is not a badge" indicates that the poster would never help out another person. That's what got me riled up.

[Yo-Yo]

I carry to protect my life, and the lives of my family. If there is an active shooter, and I fully understand what is going on, I would try to intervene there as well.

My life is not in danger from a couple of thugs loading up my neighbor’s belongings into a pickup truck. At that point my job is to be a good witness.

If you ever take any training, you may just find out the same thing.

[Boonie]

I agree with shadow...One day, YOU might need a neighbor’s help...What if he had your attitude?????

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Yep. In Minnesota, you’d be in jail.

[Afterguard]

I understand your point. While I would like to think I would have the fortitude to get directly involved if another persons safety were at risk. However, I don’t think it is wise to involve your firearm or yourself directly In the protection of another’s property. A call to 911 and observation from a distance may be the best action in that case.

[Boonie]

The only problem with that is when when help is needed in seconds, the police are only minutes away...

[SgtHooper]

Why do peeps forget about simply disabling the vehicle. Shoot holes in two tires. Blast the radiator.

[Yo-Yo]

Really?

[ButThreeLeftsDo]

Again. No threat of bodily harm to you or anyone else.... In MN, you are going to jail.

[S.O.S121.500]

.... In MN, you are going to jail.

-=0=-
MN = F.U.B.A.R.

[Stentor]

What does he have against his left index finger.