Defensive Gun Use Stories - USA Carry

RIALTO, CA — A domestic disturbance turned deadly in Rialto on June 27 when a 29-year-old man was fatally shot after allegedly stabbing one family member and attempting to stab another during a violent incident at a residence on North Spruce Avenue.

Police responded to a 9-1-1 call at approximately 1:13 p.m. and discovered multiple injured individuals at the scene. The suspect, a 29-year-old male resident of Rialto, was found with a gunshot wound inside the home. Officers administered life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:04 p...

CHICAGO, IL — A concealed carry license holder opened fire on two armed robbers Tuesday morning in the West Loop after witnessing them assault and rob a woman at gunpoint, according to the Chicago Police Department.

The incident occurred around 8:45 a.m. in the 1100 block of West Hubbard Street. A 38-year-old woman was reportedly standing outside when two armed male suspects approached, demanded her belongings, and struck her in the head. They made off with her possessions.

Nearby, a 41-year-old man with a valid Illinois concealed carry license saw the robbery unfold and chose to intervene. Ac...

CHICAGO, IL – A concealed carry holder in Chicago ended a robbery spree last night. When the attacker went after his fourth victim, he learned the hard way that not everyone is an easy target.

The final intended victim was a 36-year-old man who was unloading his car. The 18-year-old armed robber demanded the victim’s belongings, and the good guy with a gun fired 4 or 5 shots, striking the assailant in the chest, thigh, and head.

The offender did not survive, and he was driving a Toyota that belonged to a man he robbed at gunp...

RICHMOND, VA — A robbery attempt at a local restaurant ended in gunfire Thursday night when an employee shot and killed an armed suspect who entered the business wearing a mask and carrying a firearm.

According to Richmond Police, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Sugar’s Crab Shack on Chamberlayne Avenue, just across from the Fourth Police Precinct. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Dominique Epps of Henrico County, entered the restaurant with apparent intent to rob the establishment. An employee confronted Epps and exchanged gunfire with him, fatally shooting the suspect.

Epps died at the...

LAS VEGAS, NV — What began as a minor fender bender quickly escalated into a fatal self-defense shooting Monday evening on the westbound 215 Beltway near Jones Boulevard, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).

Police say the incident started when one driver rear-ended another vehicle. The driver who caused the accident got out of his car to check on the other motorist and assess the situation.

As he approached, the other driver unexpectedly jumped out of his vehicle armed with a knife and immediately began chasing him. The unarmed driver ran around his car several ti...

CHICAGO, IL — A road rage incident escalated into gunfire Tuesday night on Chicago’s Northwest Side, resulting in a car crashing into an apartment building but causing no injuries, according to Chicago police.

The confrontation took place around 9:45 p.m. in the 7700 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Dunning neighborhood. Authorities say a 23-year-old man was driving eastbound on Belmont Avenue when he became involved in an apparent road rage incident with the driver of a white Honda sedan traveling in the same direction.

According to police reports, the driver of the Honda produced a fi...

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A mother shot a convicted ‘child molester ‘CM’ multiple times after allegedly catching him attempting to ‘SA’ her 12-year-old daughter inside a hotel room, according to court documents and police reports.

The incident occurred on May 24 at the Baymont Inn located on Eagle View Drive on the west side of Indianapolis. As reported by WIBC, the mother had briefly left her daughter in a hotel room with 34-year-old Bruce Pierce while she went to her vehicle. When she returned, she discovered Pierce on top of her daughter, attempting to remove her clothing.

According to WTHR, the...

LAS VEGAS, NV — A man who was openly carrying a firearm was fatally shot with his own weapon after an erratic individual attempted to disarm him during a violent encounter at an AutoZone on East Charleston Boulevard.

On May 23, 2025, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting inside a business in the 1200 block of East Charleston Boulevard. Officers arrived to find a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the victim was standing in lin...

FORT MYERS, FL — A chaotic scene turned into a self-defense incident Sunday night after a man allegedly drove his car into a crowd of people, prompting two bystanders to open fire to stop the attack.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began with a verbal dispute in the 2000 block of Maravilla Circle. Authorities say 54-year-old Eduardo Lando-Matamoro of Hialeah escalated the situation by intentionally driving his vehicle into a group gathered in a driveway, striking three individuals.

In response, two witnesses drew firearms and shot at Lando-Matamoro, hitting him in the shou...

PEORIA, AZ — A potentially deadly situation was defused late Saturday night after an intoxicated man, ejected from a sports bar, returned with a firearm and opened fire into the building. The suspect was shot and killed by an armed bystander during a confrontation in the parking lot.

Peoria police say the incident began around 11:30 p.m. at a bar near Loop 101 and Peoria Avenue. Staff had refused service to a heavily intoxicated individual and escorted him from the premises. Shortly after, the man retrieved a firearm from his black BMW and began firing several rounds into the ai...

KEARNS, UT — An 18-year-old man who opened fire during an attempted armed robbery while selling champagne out of the trunk of his car may not face charges, even as questions remain about the legality of his firearm possession.

As reported by KSL, police have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred just before 2 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Kearns High School. Tesfaye Mebratu Shabi, 18, and a second male, 17, were taken into custody Tuesday on suspicion of murder and aggravated robbery. Another suspect, 18-year-old Brandon Ray Hollins, was arrested Monday on...

LAS VEGAS, NV — A suspected intruder was fatally shot by a homeowner during a break-in at a residence in the Canyon Gate Country Club community early on May 4.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a 911 call shortly after 5 a.m. from a woman reporting that someone had broken into her home and that her husband had shot the intruder. Officers responded to the 2300 block of Bay Hill Drive and found a man with multiple gunshot wounds lying at the base of the stairs. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators later determined the ma...

FAIRMOUNT HEIGHTS, MD — A fatal shooting occurred early Sunday morning during an attempted car break-in in the 5700 block of J Street, leading to the death of a suspect and injuries to two others, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department.

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Edward Coates III of Temple Hills. Police say Coates was allegedly attempting to break into vehicles in the residential neighborhood around 4:00 a.m. when he encountered a male resident outside. Coates, who was armed, reportedly chased the man around a nearby house, culminating in a physical struggle over the...

SPOKANE, WA — A knife-wielding man who attacked a woman and fatally stabbed another individual was shot and killed by an armed citizen in what police describe as a clear case of self-defense.

The violence erupted just after 5:15 p.m. on May 13 at an apartment complex in the 3300 block of East 11th Avenue. Witnesses described a rapidly unfolding and terrifying scene, with the suspect brandishing a knife and at least one gunshot heard during the incident.

According to the Spokane Police Department, the suspect began his rampage by attacking a woman inside the complex. Another tenant qu...

EVANSVILLE, IN — A resident was forced to defend himself against three armed intruders in a terrifying home invasion on May 13, fatally shooting one as the other two fled, according to the Evansville Police Department.

Police were dispatched to a residence on the 3000 block of Sweetser Avenue after a caller reported a burglary in progress. The caller, who was not at the home during the incident, stated that their son had shot one of the intruders and believed the individual was dead.

When officers arrived, they confirmed the suspect had died inside the home. The two ot...

CHATTANOOGA, TN — A 30-year-old man was forced to defend himself during an attempted armed robbery that unfolded during a private sale meet-up on May 8. The incident occurred just after 5:00 p.m. in the 4800 block of Swan Road, according to the Chattanooga Police Department.

The victim had arranged to meet with individuals to purchase two items. During the transaction, one of the suspects pulled a firearm and pointed it at the victim’s face while making demands. In response, the victim quickly exited his vehicle.

At that point, a second suspect—a 17-year-old male—jumped into the driv...

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A violent armed robbery in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia Tuesday night ended with a licensed concealed carrier firing 16 rounds at a fleeing vehicle after he and his girlfriend were attacked and robbed at gunpoint.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on East Clearfield Street near Aramingo Avenue. According to police, a 27-year-old man and his 26-year-old girlfriend had just parked their vehicle and were walking when two men approached them with firearms drawn.

The suspects held the couple at gunpoint. A physical altercation followed, during which the male victim fought back. Wh...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A chaotic scene unfolded Wednesday afternoon outside the Nusenda Credit Union near the Uptown Transit Center when a man attempting to rob ATM users was stopped by an armed citizen.

According to witnesses, 28-year-old Justyn McDaniel began harassing people in line at the drive-up ATM at 6501 Indian School Rd NE, demanding money. The situation escalated when two Nusenda employees attempted to intervene, prompting McDaniel to punch one of them in the face.

McDaniel then jumped onto the hood of a woman’s vehicle and, after she refused his demands for money, kicked in h...

LAS VEGAS, NV — A former construction worker who returned to his previous worksite armed with a rifle and began shooting at his ex-coworkers was shot and wounded in self-defense Friday morning in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, according to police.

Authorities identified the suspect as John Garcia, who now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder and nine counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. near Deer Springs Way and Bradley Road.

According to the arrest report, Garcia had been fired more than a week before the shooting after a w...

GREECE, NY — A store owner at Henry’s Convenience Store shot a teenage robbery suspect in self-defense during an attempted armed robbery early Tuesday morning, according to Greece Police.

As reported by WHEC, the 17-year-old suspect entered the Denise Road store wearing a mask and pointing a firearm at the clerk. The clerk, who is a licensed pistol permit holder, responded by drawing his legally registered handgun and firing at the suspect. The teen sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and fled the scene, later found by officers on nearby Lake Avenue. A Greece police officer appli...

DALTON, GA — An early morning confrontation between a homeowner and a group of alleged car burglars escalated into gunfire on May 3, 2025, in a residential area near Pleasant Drive and Old Grade Road. According to a statement from Whitfield County Sheriff Darren J. Pierce, the homeowner reported that several individuals were attempting to break into his vehicle and possibly his residence around 5:15 a.m.

Upon witnessing the suspects’ actions, the homeowner exited his house and fired multiple shots. One of the rounds struck a female suspect, who was subsequently transported by emergency medical services. Her identity has not been...

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A homeowner in Virginia is facing a murder charge after allegedly shooting and killing an 18-year-old during what teens claim was a social media prank — but one that may not be as innocent as it sounds.

The homeowner, a 27-year-old Spotsylvania County resident, has been charged with second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. Saturday at a residence on McKenzie Lane, just hours before the deceased teen was scheduled to attend his high school prom.

According to the Spot...

ST. LOUIS, MO — A 16-year-old was fatally shot early Friday morning during a string of vehicle break-ins in the Carondelet neighborhood, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the 6300 block of Vermont Avenue, near Holly Hills Avenue. Police said the teen, identified as Aeyion Barnett of St. Louis, was among a group of suspects who exited a dark-colored vehicle and began breaking into multiple cars. Neighbors reported that at least six vehicles were targeted.

Home surveillance footage captured the group moving from car to car. Disturbingly, witnesses re...

JENNINGS, MO — A robbery attempt at a local market turned into a shootout Thursday evening, leaving both the suspect and intended victim injured and hospitalized.

According to First Alert 4, the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. at a market on the 5200 block of Hamilton Avenue. The victim was standing at the counter when 23-year-old Tayvion Baker allegedly approached him armed with a pistol. Police say Baker spotted a handgun in a holster on the victim’s hip, which was reportedly concealed under his shirt. It is unclear how Baker noticed the firearm, but he then attempted to take it.<...

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL — In the early hours of Sunday morning, a 35-year-old man was shot in self-defense after allegedly attacking an elderly couple in their Escambia County home.

As reported by WEAR-TV, deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 1:05 a.m. on Rebel Drive. Upon arrival, they found Daniel Michael Sonier suffering from a gunshot wound. Investigations revealed that Sonier, who was known to the couple, had entered their home and assaulted them. In response, the male resident used a firearm to defend himself and his partner. Sonier was transported to a local hospital for treatment of no...

SEATTLE, WA — A Seattle man shot an intruder early Friday morning after the suspect broke into an apartment building and attempted to force entry into his home, where the man’s wife and 2-year-old child were present.

The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 100 block of 21st Avenue. Officers from the East Precinct responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find a 28-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper leg. As officers rendered aid, they identified him as a suspect in multiple attempted burglaries within the building.

PLANT CITY, FL — A man was fatally shot during a confrontation at the Speed Lane Travel Center early Friday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. at 501 County Line Road.

As reported by WFLA, officers from the Plant City Police Department responded to reports of a shooting with injuries. Upon arrival, they discovered a man with gunshot wounds lying near a vehicle. Despite life-saving efforts, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witness statements and security footage indicate that a verbal dispute began inside the gas station and escalated outside. During the altercation, the...

KANSAS CITY, MO — A confrontation at a Kansas City liquor store on Monday evening resulted in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Donovan Booker. Another individual, 18-year-old Jeremiah Williamson, has been charged in connection with the incident.

As reported by the Kansas City Star, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. at Liquor Xpress, located at the intersection of East 9th Street and Prospect Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Booker suffering from gunshot wounds; he was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Another man at the scene reported to police that he had shot Booker...

SYRACUSE, NY — A 43-year-old man who fatally shot another driver during a road rage incident in downtown Syracuse will not face criminal charges after an Onondaga County grand jury determined he acted in lawful self-defense.

As reported by Syracuse.com, the incident occurred on April 23 near the intersection of West Street Arterial and West Fayette Street. Video evidence reviewed by the grand jury showed that 61-year-old Ezell Hicks Jr. exited his vehicle, retrieved a large chef-style knife, and advanced toward the other driver’s car with the knife raised. The shooter, who remained inside his vehicle, fired three sh...