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

[who_would_fardels_bear]

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

[kaehurowing]

“He was a good boy.”

[gov_bean_ counter]

...looking for a job in communications.

[Bullish]

Aspiring young rapper about to turn his life around no doubt.

[easternsky]

That was sooo good

[boomop1]

Was into series recycling phones.

[Carry me back]

Another one bites the dust.

[Da Bilge Troll]

0bama should keep better track of his children.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Thanks
:)

[Steven Scharf]

Superintended Michael Chitwood is the former Chief of Police in Portland, Maine where he had a reputation of being anti CCW. I don’t know if the reputation was deserved. I had a good working relationship with Mike in the several years we over lapped living here. He came out of the Philadelphia police force where he was involved in several high profile cases including the bringing down of a city block in Philadelphia to finding the body of Holly Maddux in killer Ira Einhorn’s closet. He retired from Portland and returned to the Philly area to become the Superintendent in Upper Darby.

This Philly.Com article gives a great overview of his personality. http://articles.philly.com/2011-12-08/news/30490910_1_stun-gun-michael-chitwood-cop

Mike was later followed by James Craig who came from Los Angeles and told the search committee he planned to stay a while. Quicker than you could say Cincinnati, he was on his way there has their first chief not from the department. That turned out to be a stepping stone to his home state of Michigan where he became the top cop in Detroit. There he has made headlines by proclaiming that responsible citizens should arm themselves. He also has noted that he came to this conclusion while serving as chief here in Portland Maine where we have a very very low murder rate.

[Hot Tabasco]

the weapon he had was actually a pellet gun.

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.......

[trisham]

The 67-Year-Old victim was taken to the hospital with chest pains. He is expected to recover.

**********************

The poor man. Thank God he survived. He's a hero.

[CyberAnt]

SERIES AND HUGH

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

The decedent, Tiger Miguel Williams.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

“SERIES AND HUGH”

MUTE AND IRREVALUNT

[KingLudd]

The only two acceptable things to say to police:
I was so afraid, I thought he was going to kill me
I am having chest pains

Repeat:

The only two acceptable things to say to police:
I was so afraid, I thought he was going to kill me
I am having chest pains

[trisham]

Yes, absolutely.

[DesertRhino]

Not in many states, no it is not subject to firearm rules, don’t know about up there.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

D.R.T!