The Armed Citizen® June 16, 2023

Armed Citizen® Today

A man and woman sitting inside a vehicle near a park in Kelso, Wash., were assaulted by two men, forcing the male driver of the car to defend himself and his companion on April 27, 2023.

At about 4:30 p.m. that Thursday, the man and woman were sitting inside their vehicle in the driveway of their house when a pair of men approached the car. One of the suspects, a 21-year-old male, approached the driver's side door, opened it and then allegedly began assaulting the man, accusing him of being in a rival gang. The driver drew a concealed handgun, exited the car during the assault and opened fire. The shot struck the other suspect, a 19-year-old male, and both subjects fled the scene.

Police responded and found the armed citzen, who acknowledged that he had fired a shot at the assault suspects. The armed citizen was temporarily detained while police obtained witness statements and video recording of the altercation, which supported his self-defense claim. He was released without charges.

The wounded assailant was located in a vehicle nearby with the other suspect and was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both suspects were booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of 4th Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass. (Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office; Kelso, Wash.; 4/27/23)

From the Armed Citizen® Archives – July 1962

While making a routine check of his sporting goods store in Monahans, Texas, Lyle Saunders heard noises in a back room. He drew his gun, discovered a burglar at work, and held the intruder until police arrived. (Monahans News; Monahans, Texas)