CA: Armed Defense Criticized

(Fresno, California) In response to a shooting on Sunday night, a businessman and leader of the Indian-American community, Harry Gill, says that convenience and liquor store owners should not arm themselves.

One bandit was shot and killed after he tried to rob the U-Save Liquor store in the 4600 block of Tulare Avenue, police said. A man who police say was a lookout for the gunman fled the store after the 8:24 p.m. robbery attempt.

Fernando Valencia, 29, of Fresno was identified Monday as the slain bandit.

Police said Valencia went into the store, pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded cash. Valencia blocked the clerk's path when he tried to escape, so the clerk, fearing for his life, pulled out a handgun and shot Valencia, police said. Valencia died in the store.

The employee was not identified.

Nonetheless, Harry Gill says guns are not the answer, although a gun seemed to do the trick on Sunday. Gill contends that it's better to limit the amount of cash in the register instead of having a gun for defense.

With all due respect, Mr. Gill, I'd suggest that surrender is a lousy method of defense.