PA:CCW Holder stops Crime Spree, Kills Suspect

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