CPRC Defensive Gun Uses

MCRGO Editor's Note: Cases of defensive gun uses are provided by the Crime Prevention Research Center. The full article for this month can be found HERE. There is a three month compilation delay between the incidents and their publication by CPRC.

While many may instinctively applaud the use of firearms in self-defense scenarios, a closer examination reveals potential shortcomings in the defensive strategies employed. Several recent cases illustrate this point. For instance, multiple incidents involved individuals seated in unlocked vehicles, making them easily accessible to potential assailants. In one instance, the intruder reportedly attempted to enter five other vehicles prior to the confrontation, presumably thwarted by locked doors.

This highlights a critical point: sitting in an unlocked car, particularly at night, significantly increases vulnerability. Locking car doors creates a crucial delay, potentially allowing for escape or deterring the intruder altogether. While the use of lethal force may be legally justified in these situations, it's essential to recognize that even 'successful' self-defense encounters can have lasting consequences for all involved, including emotional trauma, legal processes, and the inherent risks of escalation. Proactive measures, such as securing vehicles, can often mitigate the need for such extreme responses.

The only gunfight you have a 100% chance of winning is the one you avoid. 

Tifton, Georgia, January 5, 2025 (WALB)

On Jan. 13, a grand jury voted to not indict Robert G. Wright, 24, who was previously charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery in connection to the shooting, according to a release.

WALB previously reported that Wright was arrested and charged after shooting Keith King, 42, after King approached him in the parking lot following a near collision at the intersection of Highway 82 and McCormick Drive.

After the near collision, King followed Wright into the Walmart parking lot, exited his vehicle, and approached Wright’s car. Wright then drew a pistol and fired multiple times at King.

The grand jury, having carefully considered the evidence presented, determined that the actions of the individual were consistent with Georgia’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which permits the use of force in self-defense under certain circumstances. Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have also concluded that the shooting was justified as an act of self-defense, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Based on surveillance video recovered by law enforcement, Wright dropped off his girlfriend at Walmart where she works, and then attempted to leave.

Wright had his one-year-old daughter in the car at the time of the incident, according to the release.

Using his truck, King partially blocked Wright’s vehicle from leaving, and then King exited his vehicle and approached Wright’s car in a threatening manner while yelling obscenities.

Wright then drew a pistol and fired at King several times, striking King at least three times.

Wright then parked his vehicle and attempted to make contact with his girlfriend.

According to the release, after realizing that he still had his pistol in his hand, he secured it back in his vehicle and then called 911 to report the shooting.

Wright stayed on-scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement, stating he felt he had no other choice than to shoot King to protect himself and his daughter…

Memphis, Tennessee, January 10, 2025 (WREG)

The MPD responded to a call at Gordin’s Foods & Butcher Shoppe on Thomas Street around 11:15 a.m., where a store manager told police that three men walked out of the business with a cart full of food.

He said he followed the men outside, grabbed the grocery cart, and tried to take the stolen merchandise as the suspects entered a van.

Reports say a man, identified as 33-year-old Robby Wooten, then got out of the van with a handgun, fired a shot into the air, and threatened to kill the store manager.

The victim reportedly fell to the ground and Wooten pointed the gun at him, but the victim pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the suspect.

Another suspect, identified as Dustin Fultz, 22, tried to take the victim’s gun, but police say the victim was able to fight him off. The suspects then fled the area in the van…

Houston, Texas, January 17, 2025 (KHOU 11)

The Houston Police Department said this happened around 9:30 p.m. when a man in his 40s was aggressively driving a truck and swerving in and out of traffic. At some point, HPD said the man zeroed in on a car driven by a 20-year-old man. The 20-year-old man also had his pregnant girlfriend in the car…

Police said the 20-year-old driver again tried to get away from the aggressive driver, but the truck drove into the oncoming traffic lanes to swerve in front of him and block them. That’s when HPD said the truck driver got out and ran toward the car with his hands near his pocket. Police said the 20-year-old driver feared for his life and opened fire through the front windshield and through the side of the car, hitting the aggressive driver in the torso, arm and leg.

According to HPD, the 20-year-old driver used to be a security guard and had handcuffs on him. He detained the other driver and contacted police. HPD said he was fully cooperating with investigators…

HPD said no charges have been filed against the shooter. The shooter and his pregnant passenger were not hurt in the incident. It’s unclear whether the truck driver will face charges.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 29, 2025 (KRQE)

The Albuquerque Police Department said 14-year-old Alonzo Sanderson was killed overnight after they said he and a friend tried to rob a woman and shot her at an apartment complex on Tramway Blvd. According to APD, the woman’s husband shot back killing Sanderson. The shooting is being investigated as a justifiable homicide.

According to police, Sanderson was with a group of teens who were in a white vehicle approaching the couple in a blue Jeep. The victims said Sanderson approached them on the passenger side window with two guns. Another teen, identified as Jeriah Salas, opened the rear passenger door with a gun. That’s when they heard gunshots and the husband shot back multiple times at the teens…

Salas was charged with attempt to commit an armed robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, and assault with a deadly weapon among other charges…

Chicago, Illinois, January 31, 2025 (ABC 7 Chicago)

Police said the shootout happened around 5:15 a.m. just steps away from DRW College Prep charter high school in the Homan Square neighborhood…

A 28-year-old man working as a garbage truck driver was outside in the 900-block of South Homan Avenue when two other men approached him, took out a gun and announced a robbery, police said.

Police said that’s when an exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspects and the victim, who has a valid FOID card and CCL.

One of the suspects, 42, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead on the scene. The other suspect, 20, suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

The victim was uninjured but taken to St. Anthony Hospital in good condition for an evaluation…

UPCOMING EVENTS

Southeast Michigan Picnic with Michigan's Allied Gun Groups

Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Multi Lakes Conservation Association; 3860 Newton Rd, Commerce Township, MI 48382

NO RSVP is required. Open to MCRGO members, friends & family. MCRGO/MOC/MGO will provide grilled items and beverages at no cost. You are encouraged to bring your firearms, ammunition, and ear & eye protection.

Northern Lower Peninsula Picnic with Michigan's Allied Gun Groups

Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Northland Sportsmen's Club; 1592 Old Alba Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735

NO RSVP is required. Open to MCRGO members, friends & family. MCRGO/MOC/MGO will provide grilled items and beverages at no cost. You are encouraged to bring your firearms, ammunition, and ear & eye protection.