GA: Teen pulls gun. Dies: "Last month, in the wee hours of a Saturday, a young man fresh out of Savannah High was shot to death in the parking lot of the IHOP on Victory Drive. According to reports, the 19-year-old victim got into an argument with a man who was 24. The younger man, police said, pulled out a handgun and threatened the older man. The older man then pulled out his own handgun. Age and experience again trumped youth. A cemetery has yet another hole to fill. The older man, who lives in a Savannah housing project off MLK Boulevard, was jailed on a murder charge. Expect his attorney to mount a vigorous, self-defense argument - the other guy pulled on me first, so I had to protect myself. That's my right. Barring other evidence, that's almost a get-out-of-jail-free card.... Interestingly, the latest metro crime statistics show a 24 percent reduction in violent crime over the past nine months, compared to the same period last year." [More details here. Jeffrey Jamal Johnson shot Larry Venson]


OK: Suspect loses fingers in home invasion: "Police said two men — one white, one black — kicked in the door to a home in the 400 block of 106th East Avenue around 7 a.m. The homeowner, Larry Ryan, said the bandits yelled “Give me the money” as they pointed their guns directly at his head. Ryan, 59, said he immediately grabbed for one of the weapons and a struggle ensued. Wearing only underwear, Ryan battled the robber to the front porch, where they fell to the ground. While being pistol-whipped by the second gunman, Ryan was able to pin the first assailant to the ground, he said. The gun he was struggling for fired, shooting off two of the robber’s fingers. Ryan was holding down the wounded man when officers arrived. Both were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Bobby Lewis, 23, was later arrested on complaints of assault with a deadly weapon, knowingly concealing stolen property, robbery with a firearm and first-degree burglary"


NJ: Eased process sought for gun carry permits: "A lawmaker wants to make it easier for New Jersey residents to get permits for carrying handguns, and he thinks the state can make some money in the process. State Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, introduced a bill last week that would allow residents to carry handguns if they go through a background check, complete courses in firearms safety and the lawful use of force, pass a test and pay an annual $500 fee. Current state law gives carry permits only to those who demonstrate a ‘justifiable need’ to their local police chief and then a Superior Court judge — a nearly impossible hurdle.”