Armed Bank Robber Subdued

Police are praising the courage of a concealed-carry permit holder who helped subdue a gunman in a deadly bank robbery. Chris Chappell was making a withdrawal when a man opened fire, killing two tellers and wounding two others. Chappell ran out of the bank and drew his gun, taking cover behind his SUV. The gunman tried to flee the bank, but encountered Chappell and ran back inside. At that time two passing sheriff's deputies noticed the disturbance and turned around to investigate. The gunman grabbed a hostage and made another attempt to escape, but he was met by Chappell and the deputies. When the gunman stumbled, one of the deputies subdued him with a gunshot. "It's certainly commendable," said Jefferson County, Alabama, Sherriff's Sgt. Randy Christian. "It's obvious he played a key role in keeping the guy there until we could get there. It's a great testament to someone willing to take action." The Birmingham News - Birmingham, AL

2 Shots Fired Saves Man's Life

Brian Smith was walking toward his apartment when two men approached him. Police say the men pretended to be lost, but became violent as Smith gave directions. One of the men pulled a revolver from his waistband, but Smith, who has a concealed-carry permit, reacted swiftly, drawing his own revolver and firing two shots. One suspect was injured and arred at the hospital, while the other remains at large. Kalamazoo Gazette - Kalamazoo, MI

Sleeping Man Wakes To Back Porch Intruder

Leroy Hudson was asleep upstairs while his wife, Janice, slept downstairs. Both awoke to load noises coming from their enclosed back porch. Leroy got a firearm while Janice called 911 to report an intruder. Leroy, 71, opened the door and encountered a man in his mid-20s. He demanded to know what the intruder was doing in hopes of getting him to leave. But the man refused to speaj, instead moving toward Hudson, who fired a single shot, incapacitating him. The Oregonian - Portland, OR

Quote of the Month

"Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed sheep contesting the vote" - author unknown

Man Defends Himself From 5 Thugs At Car Wash

Five people on a crime spree with an unloaded pistol and a baseball bat had robbed a 16-year-old of his cell phone, silver chain and wallet, and had also attempted to carjack a couple in their driveway. Later, according to police, they attempted to carjack a man at a car wash. The would-be victim, however, had a concealed-carry permit and a 9mm handgun, which he used to shoot one of his assailants. The injured suspect's accomplices took him to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The surviving suspects faced armed robbery charges. Detroit Free Press - Detroit, MI

Man Defends Home From Teen Burglar

Armed with a handgun, Michael Vogler confronted a teenage male who'd broken into his home in the early morning hours. According to authorities, the intruder began assaulting Vogler, who fired a shot, causing the intruder to dive headfirst through a window and flee the area. The teen was apprehended at the hospital where he sought treatment for a gunshot wound and other injuries. The Sunday Oregonian - Portland, OR

77 Year Old Defends Family From Burglar

Bob Manross said he often keeps a firearm handy because of his area's crime problem. "I don't take any chances," he said. That proved good policy when a man broke into his home, called him by name and said he would shoot him unless he handed over his money. "I told him I didn't have the money with me, but I'd get it from the other room," said the 77 year old Manross, who had a rifle at the ready nearby. "he wasn't expecting me to come back through here and shoot him." Manross shot the burglar, whom he recognized as a man living nearby. He directed police to the suspect's home, where they found him suffering from a gunshot wound. "I am not proud of what I have done," Manross said of the incident, "but I have to protect my wife and my house." Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX

Man Saves Woman From Attacking Dogs

A woman was waiting for a bus when three large dogs approached and began lunging at her aggressively. She swung her backpack at them, but they continued their onslaught. That's when Patrick Jones saw what was occurring and stopped his truck. He yelled at the dogs and positioned himself in front of the victim. The woman said the dogs "just wouldn't give up. They kept coming at us..." Jones, a concealed-carry permit holder, pushed the woman behind him and drew his pistol. When the most aggressive dog lunged at him, he shot and killed it. "He's a life saver," the woman said of Jones. Lynden Police Chief Jack Foster agreed, saying, "I think he did the lady a big favor to stop and help." Lynden Tribune - Lynden, WA