MI: Prosecutors finally decide fatal Ann Arbor shooting was self-defense: "Police announced Wednesday that Washtenaw County prosecutors concluded a second review of a Dec. 2 fatal shooting in an Ann Arbor suburb and determined it was a case of self defense. A three-month investigation revealed Michael Rajchel, 28, of Van Buren Township, was intoxicated and under the influence of several prescription drugs when he was shot nine times while seated in a car in the Arbor Creek subdivision at Waters Road near Ann Arbor-Saline Road.... Rajchel then ordered Farha to drive them from the location, police said. When Farha refused, Rajchel lifted his shirt, exposing a Norinco pistol. Rajchel began reaching for it with his hand, according to the investigation. Farha pulled out his own gun, a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semiautomatic, and fired nine shots as he exited the car. Rajchel died sitting in the passenger seat of Farha's vehicle with his pistol tucked in his waistband, police said. The pistol was loaded with the hammer cocked back, ready to fire, the report said. [I mentioned this case last Dec. 17]


Pennsylvania: Bethlehem shootout stops robbers: "A judge set bail for the suspects in last night’s shootout in Bethlehem at $750,000 for a man police said fired a sawed-off shotgun into an apartment window, and $500,000 for an accomplice. Police said the two planned to rob a west Bethlehem apartment last night and the plan was foiled when the victim opened fire with his handgun. Despite numerous shots being fired and a flurry of 911 calls from neighbors, no one was injured in the shootout around 11:15 p.m. at the Waters Edge apartments, 350 W. Lehigh St. Police said they recovered the shotgun, which had been tossed into a nearby wooded area as the men ran from officers, said Detective William Dosedlo. Christian Alberto Diaz, 27, of 930 Gordon St., and Eduardo Vinas, no age or address available, are charged..."


Hawaii: Woman Wounds 2 Robbery Suspects: "Two suspected robbers were seriously wounded Tuesday by a woman police said may have been defending herself and her wounded boyfriend. Police said two men armed with guns and zip-ties approached the home, which was rented by the couple and their two young children. One of the suspects’ guns went off during a struggle with the male resident. The resident was slightly wounded. Police say the woman brought out a handgun and fired after she said one of the suspects pointed his gun at her. Police say there was an exchange of gunfire. Police say robbery suspects Shane Reginald Flores, 38, and Floyd Orsborn, 23, were both hit more than once. Orsborn was listed in critical condition Wednesday night. They were arrested after police pulled over the alleged getaway car on Kamehameha Highway. Also arrested was the alleged getaway driver, Robert Logsdon III, 31. The three suspects are being investigated for possible charges of first-degree attempted murder. The woman who shot two of them has not been arrested."




Bargain collectors' gun -- a Luger .45: "An Indonesian billionaire paid $1 million for the real thing, and it became known as "the million-dollar Luger." On Sunday, under very different economic circumstances, the coveted .45-caliber Luger found a new owner for half that price at a public auction in Anaheim. The gavel came down at $430,000 from an anonymous bidder. With the 15% buyer's premium, the 103-year-old weapon fetched $494,500... "This is the holy grail of the collection," said Smith, who has collected Lugers for 55 years. "If you were to have one gun, that's the one to own." The 9-millimeter Luger was the standard firearm used by the Germans during World Wars I and II, according to the auctioneer. The Germans made the .45-caliber for the American market and tried unsuccessfully to sell it to the U.S. military in 1907. Only three were made and two survived. The other is in a Louisiana museum."