Ohio CHL-holders acting in self-defense

There was a good deal of acrimony over the need for Ohio's Concealed Handgun Licensure law, and the General Assembly was accused of knuckling under to a vocal micro-minority.

As the establishment media and the gun ban crowd told it, no one needed/wanted this law. We will defer to the anti-gun rights extremists to produce their examples of someone obtaining a license to go on a crime spree, or of two CHL's having a shoot-out at a fender-bender, as they predicted, and instead concentrate on the known examples of a CHL-holder acting in self-defense.

(Disclaimer: these are just the examples we know of and can independently document.)

It is not our intent to re-open old wounds or to gain from these tragedies. However, it is critical that the public understand how well this law is working. The following accounts are based upon media accounts, public records and/ or the permission of those involved.

Greater Akron area

Mugging victim

CHL-holder R.O. was approached by four teens, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The armed gang demanded his cell phone and other property, police said. After giving up his cell phone, R.O. attempted to retreat from the situation, but the robber grabbed his arm. The CHL-holder broke free, pulled his gun and fired one shot, missing the teens, who took off running. The victim then ran to a pay phone, but before he could call for help, the teens approached him again. When a gun was leveled at him a second time, R.O. fired again, scaring off the armed robbers for good.

Pizza shop robbery

J.H. was behind the counter when 20-year-old Patrick Finney, wearing an orange ski mask, walked in and pointed a sawed-off shotgun at his head just before 8 p.m. A customer, an older woman from the neighborhood, was seated at the counter. "He said, 'Give me the [expletive] money. This is an [expletive] robbery," J.H. said. He cooperated, giving the robber a stack of $10 bills. But he said the robber wanted more and pointed the shotgun within inches of Hayes' head. "As soon as I gave him the money, I pulled my gun out from my hip, pointed it and fired four shots," J.H. said. Finney fell to the floor, then stood back up. J.H. fired three more shots from his Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. Finney staggered outside, dropped the cash and collapsed across the street. He was taken to Akron General Medical Center, and died within the hour. An autopsy showed he was shot multiple times in the torso. "People don't care. They take $100 and don't give a [expletive]. They don't want to be identified and so they kill you," J.H. said. "I'm not going to be killed for $100."

Bank customer

S.B. said her concealed carry training took over in the parking lot of her bank, when a man confronted her in broad daylight as she left the bank. The man pushed her into her vehicle, lay on top of her and said sexual things to her. "He was hitting me from behind, trying to force me into my vehicle," S.B said. She struck the man with her elbow, then was wrestled down across the front seat of the SUV. While lying on her back, with her assailant atop her, the would-be victim arched her spine, opened the SUV console with her right hand and pulled out her firearm. "I said, 'I got a gun. Don't make me use it,'" she recalled. While the man tried holding her arm, she fired a shot out of the open passenger door. The assailant had enough. He ran off. S.B. was not injured. Police found her attacker, 23 year-old Billy Joe Covington, a few blocks away. He is a registered sex offender wanted wanted by police on escape charges.

Parking lot ambush

Two would-be robbers reversed course when their intended victim pulled out his own gun, Akron police said. The man, 23, told police he had just parked his car in a lot in the 800 block of West Market Street about 11:30 p.m. Saturday when two men in a nearby car donned masks and approached him. One of the would-be robbers opened the passenger-side door and pointed a gun at the man, police said. The victim, who has a concealed-carry permit, pulled out his own pistol, and both would-be robbers ran back to their car and drove away, police said. Police said they are following up on leads to identify the suspects.

Robbery Victim

Police say two men met a man and woman on East Market Street in Akron for the purpose of purchasing a PlayStation gaming console. The woman, Natasha Brady, reportedly asked the men to go behind a nearby house, and when they refused, the woman's male accomplice then drew a gun and ordered them to hand over their belongings. The one victim, who has his concealed handgun license, was carrying his handgun on his hip and pulled it on the suspect. He told the robber to drop his weapon and get on the ground. The suspect left his gun in the driveway and fled on foot. Officers recovered a PlayStation box with a brick inside and the suspect’s weapon, which turned out to be a pellet gun, from the scene. According to the article, the woman has been arrested, but her accomplice has not yet been identified.

Pizza delivery driver

A 26-year-old driver for Papa John’s told police he went to a house at about 7pm to make a delivery, only to discover that it was vacant. Three teen males walked from behind the house toward the driver. As one of the males began reaching for his waistband, the driver, who has a concealed carry permit, pulled out his handgun, causing the three suspects to run away, police say. No shots were fired.

Mall shopper

Police said a CHL-holder told them he was approached by two men from behind who instigated a fight. The man drew his pistol and was tackled by one of the two males, with one shot fired from the gun as the man was being tackled. The two males then ran off, police said.

Greater Cincinnati area

Robbery Victim

C.P. obtained his CHL due to previously being robbed. According to reports, C.P. was returning home when three masked gunmen, without warning, pulled up to his car and shot him three times. C.P. was able to return fire, hitting one of his attackers and causing the gunmen to flee. Published accounts credit his being able to return fire with saving his life. C.P. recovered from his injuries and was not charged.

Attacked by car thief

Around 6 a.m., B.H., 61, went outside to warm up his car before leaving for work and then went back into his house. B.H. noticed someone driving his car towards the end of the street. He grabbed his gun, went outside and waived his arms in an attempt to stop the car. B.H., with the car headed directly towards him, shot into the car killing the driver. Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters did not file charges, saying "You know, Florida had had concealed carry well before Ohio and the horror stories that were supposed to happen involving gun fights on the expressway never happened. This man could have been killed by this [driver]. He wasn't. It was a shame that the [car thief] died in this incident. I feel badly for his family, but he was embarking in behavior that ultimately led to his death."

Lunch wagon driver

Cincinnati police said two men tried to rob the driver of a lunch wagon, and that during the attempted robbery, one suspect fired shots. The lunch wagon driver then pulled out a .45-caliber handgun, for which he held a license to carry concealed, and shot one suspect in the leg, then held the suspect at gun point until police arrived. A warrant was issued for the robber's accomplice. A neighbor speculated the robbers targeted the driver because he cashes checks on Fridays and is known to carry a lot of money.

Robbery Victim #2

When three men tried to rob someone with a concealed handgun license, the would-be victim fought back, shooting one of his attackers in the abdomen. The robber, who had stolen a cellular phone from the license-holder, ran more than six blocks from the shooting scene, dropping the cellular phone somewhere along the way. He finally dropped to the ground and was found suffering from a gunshot wound. The suspect was taken to the hospital, and he and his two accomplices have been charged with aggravated robbery.

Iraq War Veteran

Police said M.C. stopped on Boal Street just before midnight, apparently to ask for directions from another man outside the car, when an armed man tried to rob M.C. and his passenger. M.C., an Iraq war veteran, has a license to carry a concealed handgun and was also armed. He exchanged gunfire with the robber, who was shot twice in the stomach and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. M.C. was shot once in the forearm, and was treated and released from a local hospital. His passenger was grazed by a bullet. Witnesses said three assailants fled toward the Pendleton area. Two guns were also recovered from the scene.

Homeowner

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said Jason Hawk broke into a home in the 7000 block of Glendale-Milford Road just before noon, but was discovered when the homeowner returned. The homeowner, who has a concealed handgun license, took out his handgun and went around behind the home and met Hawk, who then attempted to flee. Deputies said the homeowner fired several shots, one of which flattened the left front tire on Hawk's car. Hawk was arrested by officers a few minutes later. Police said the car had two televisions and four rifles in it.

Robbery victim #3

As a concealed handgun license-holder was getting out of his car, which he had parked in an alley before work at 3:00 on a Sunday afternoon, three males approached and told him to give them everything at gunpoint. The robbery victim did comply with the demands and gave the robbers his wallet. The robbers did not know, however, that the man who they were trying to rob was also carrying a gun. All three attempted robbers were shot by their victim with a .40 caliber Glock. One of the juveniles was shot in the face, one in the right shoulder, and the adult was hit in the lower left leg. The suspects then fled the scene on foot in different directions, but were later caught a short distance away by Lockland police. The three attackers who were shot were transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries in ambulances. Police say they are looking into charging them with aggravated robbery and possibly felonious assault.

Homeowner #2

Police responded to reports of a shooting at in North Fairmount around 11p.m. Upon arrival, they found Tommy Powell, 21, behind the The Villages of Roll Hill apartment complex. Police say, Powell had been shot and was transported to University Hospital where he died due to his injuries. The Homicide Unit said they believe Powell was breaking into a home at the time. According to detectives, the homeowner has a valid concealed carry license.

Attacked in neighborhood

According to police, Thomas McCary argued with a woman in his neighborhood about 7:30 p.m. in a Sunday evening. During the dispute, her brother, P.E., walked over to see what was going on. That's when, police say, McCary pulled out a .38-caliber handgun and fired three shots at P.E., who was not hit. Fortunately, P.E. is a concealed handgun license-holder and had his firearm. He drew his gun and fired three shots, striking McCary in the leg. McCary went into his house and re-emerged with another handgun. With a gun in each hand, he fired three shots in the direction of the woman he was arguing with, her 1-year-old son and a third man. The victims retreated into their home to avoid being shot, while P.E. fired additional rounds at McCary to try to divert his attention. McCary was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center and arrested.

Robbery Victim #4

Police say an armed teen tried to rob one of two contractors rehabilitating a home when the contractor walked outside to retrieve equipment from a van. The contractor turned over his wallet. A second contractor came to the front door and saw what was occurring. The armed robber tried to rob him of his wallet, too, but the man - who has told police he has an Ohio concealed handgun license - pulled out his firearm. The robbery suspect fired several shots at the man, but the victim returned fire, striking the suspect several times. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Store clerk

A man entered the Harrison Food Mart in Cheviot at about 11:03 p.m. and held the clerk at gunpoint. The clerk, who had a concealed handgun license, shot the robber, who then left the store. Officers found him next door, and he was transported to an area hospital.

Bank robbery

A would-be bank robber entered a Key Bank branch wearing dark clothing and a black hat and demanded money. A customer inside the bank had a concealed handgun license, and the two exchanged shots. The would-be robber and an accomplice escaped.

Auto Parts Store Customer

An 18-year-old came in with another young man to rob a Cincinnati auto parts store, armed with what turned out to be a pellet gun. The auto parts store has been robbed before. Police said there were customers with guns and conceal carry licenses inside the business. A person inside the store thwarted the attempt by shooting Hutsell, who was found dead in the parking lot.

Store clerk #2

An armed robber walked right past a large sign that stated "WARNING: This is a victim free zone" in order to begin his attack on a Cincinnati convenience store owner. The owner made good on her word and refused to be a victim by taking the first opportunity to draw her concealed firearm and shoot the armed robber, who stumbled back past the warning sign before collapsing and dying in the doorway.

Realtors

Kyle and Phil M., a father and son realtor team, got a call that someone had broken in. They went out to the property and found an intruder inside. The violent man threatened he would either going to shoot or stab us the realtors before Kyle in the face. Kyle responded by pulling his gun, for which he has a license to carry. Fortunately, Kyle did not have to use his pistol. The intruder was charged with assault, menacing and trespassing.

Mom of five

A mother of five was able to use a firearm to defend herself and her children in a violent home invasion carried out at 4:30 a.m. by her ex-boyfriend. When Dante Ruff allegedly broke a front window to gain access to the home, the homeowner responded by shooting him in the abdomen. The would-be attacker was seriously injured but expected to recover and face charges. The Hamilton County Prosecutor said the woman won't be charged with a crime, and expressed his gratefulness that she had made plans to protect herself and her family.

Greater Cleveland area

Small business owner

Another pillar of the community, B.S. was a small business owner in the city of Cleveland, and was licensed to carry a concealed handgun. Five days after the Cleveland Plain Dealer identified him as a licensee by publishing the lists of CHL-holders as a "public service", he was subjected to a very rare "ambush-style" robbery at his place of business. According to accounts, the bad guys began the robbery by simply opening fire on B.S. without warning. B.S. managed to return fire, killing one of his attackers, who had a lengthy criminal record.

Barber shop owner

When an armed criminal entered his store and began robbing patrons of taking cash, jewelry, and other valuables, barber R.W. was prepared. The store owner, who has a concealed handgun license, pulled out his handgun shooting at the robber. The suspect dropped his weapon and fled after being struck in the elbow. Police took him into custody a short time later.

Convenience store owner

Convenience store owner M.D. and his son shot and killed a man who was robbing their store at gunpoint last night. Police say the man walked into the store with his face covered. The man demanded money from the owner and opened fire, hitting the owner's 19-year old son in the forehead. As the owner got the money, he grabbed his own gun and shot the suspect. The suspect ran away, but made it only about a block before he died. The son's injuries were not life-threatening.

Home owner

CHL-holder D.W. had his gun on him when a pair of teenage thieves approached him on his own front porch. When one of the youths pulled a loaded gun, D.W. drew his and shot one of the attackers at least twice, police said. The criminal died after stumbling away and collapsing on a sidewalk.

Convenience store owner #2

Convenience store owner M.A. was at the counter writing out the winning lottery numbers when a man walked in and pulled a gun on him. "He said, 'I'm gonna shoot you. Hurry up. Where's the money?' He knocked me down. I don't know how I got away. I was so afraid he was going to shoot me any moment," M.A. said. The store owner did manage to get away, pull out his own gun and fire, hitting the robber in the head. He ran a short distance and collapsed. Police said the would-be robber is Roddy Prophet, of Maple Heights, a 27-year-old with a 10-year history of robbery, assault and identity theft. M.A. is angry about what happened. "Of course I'm angry. I work hard to make a living. They want easy money. Not in this store. I do whatever I can to defend myself and my customers," he said, adding that he will never forget that silver gun being pointed at him, a gun police now say was a toy gun. When he recovers from his injuries, Prophet will be charged with aggravated robbery.

Park visitor

A Metroparks visitor carrying a concealed gun fatally shot a rottweiler that attacked his leashed dog at Tyler Field off Valley Parkway on Saturday afternoon. The armed man was walking his Labrador on a leash when the leashed rottweiler broke free from its owner and attacked. The two dog owners tried to separate the dogs. When pulling and kicking failed, the Labrador owner shot the rottweiler dead. Rangers said the man with the guy was carrying it legally. Concealed carry is allowed in the Metroparks. The Labrador is recovering from its injuries.

Drive-through owner

Surveillance cameras were rolling as the owner of a carry-out in Elyria faced a life and death struggle, when a would-be robber tried to force his way into the store. The man eventually succeeded in getting through the door in the drive-thru, but the owner had a surprise for him, a gun she carries in her hip pocket. She told reports "I reacted as fast as I could, trying to put a barrier between him and I saw him breaking through that door and I shot him." Once the tables had been turned on the bandit, he ran away. Investigators believe the man was wounded. The owner says she decided to get a permit to carry the gun after the murder of a clerk at a gas station in her city. In that case, the clerk was killed, even though she complied with all of the robber's demands.

Passers-by defend mother of two

Wadsworth police credited a gun-carrying couple for helping them catch a man who was allegedly beating his girlfriend in a parking lot in front of her two small children. The couple pulled into the Wadsworth McDonald's on High Street Sunday and saw a man hitting a woman in another vehicle. Police said the couple, who each have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, called 911 then pulled out their guns and ordered the man to the ground. The attacker is now facing domestic violence, child endangerment, resisting arrest and drug paraphernalia charges. Wadsworth police officers said the couple contributed to his capture and arrest, and added it was the first time they had been assisted by a CHL-holder.

Pet store owner

Five minutes before closing his pet store, N.A. said he was startled by two men wearing ski masks and threatening him with a gun. They are like, 'This is a robbery, this is a robbery," said N.A., who told Fox 8 News there were two customers, his son and his manager in the store with him. "He started yelling at me saying, 'This ain't no joke, this ain't no joke. Give me all your money! You got five seconds!'" N.A. said one of his customers ran to an office in the back of the store to take cover. When he did, one of the two robbers chased him, thinking the man was going to get a gun. "All of a sudden I hear 'pow,'" said N.A. It was the sound of a gun firing. The bullet went through his office door and into a wall but no one was shot. The robber then ran back to the front of the store. N.A., staring down the barrel of the gun, said he was doing his best to comply, giving them his money. N.A. has had a concealed carry permit for years but after another recent holdup decided to keep his gun with him for protection. N.A. said as the two robbers were leaving they turned toward him and raised their gun. That's when N.A. drew his. "That's when I fired off three shots," said N.A. "They shot back." In the exchange, Cleveland Police said a 19 year-old armed robber was hit in the left hand and several times in the upper torso, and later arrested at the hospital where he sought medical attention. Police also arrested a 20 year-old in connection with the holdup.

Pedestrian

Cleveland Police received a call for a male shot at on Ada Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they found a male who had been shot in the stomach. While on scene, officers were approached by a male who said that he had been walking down Lakeview earlier with two other males when they were surrounded by two unknown males. Those males attempted to rob them, but the victim told police he pulled his own gun and fired two shots at the suspect who had been pointing a gun at him. The robbery victim stated that he fired three more shots in the air to scare them away. Both armed robbers fled. The male that had been shot ended up on Ada, where police were called. The victim allowed officers into his home to show them the weapon used, and show his Ohio concealed handgun license. The suspect that was shot was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center.

Scrapyard owner

Cleveland police report that when two men tried to rob the owner of a local scrapyard just before 11 a.m. Friday, they got more than they bargained for. The owner said one man had a gun and fired several shots at him, grazing him in the stomach. Then the owner pulled out his own gun and fired at the suspects, striking one suspect in the leg twice. That suspect ran from the scrapyard but was caught by police as they were enroute to the scrapyard. Police and EMS arrived on the scene and police took the second suspect into custody. The owner, who has a concealed carry permit, was grazed by the shot the suspect fired but he was treated at the scene. Police say the suspect who was shot twice by the owner was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center.

Restaurateur

The owner of an Internet café had an argument with another man over food. Police said during the argument, the man made threats about shooting the store owner and then left. About 10 to 15 minutes later -- just before midnight -- as the store owner was letting his employees out the front door and closing the business for the night, the man returned. Police said, this time, he was armed with two guns and threatened the café's owner for a second time. According to police, during the second argument, the man brandished his weapons and the store owner shot him in the chest with a shotgun. It is unknown if the man fired any shots. Cleveland EMS transported the suspect to MetroHealth Medical Center where he died. Police said the store owner is licensed to carry a concealed weapon and will likely not be charged because he was defending himself.

Elderly homeowner

A 78-year-old Cleveland homeowner was forced to open fire on a would-be teenage burglar. The home invasion happened around 11:30 p.m.. T.Z., who is renovating his late mother's home so he can rent it out, was sleeping on the couch in the kitchen. When he awoke, he saw a flashlight beam, and heard the door being pried open. When the door was pushed open, T.Z. fired one shot, striking his attacker in the chest. Police arrived on scene and found the teenage suspect with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was armed with a crowbar and handgun. EMS transported the teen to the hospital where he underwent surgery. Reports say T.Z. has a valid concealed handgun license.

Attacked in driveway

A homeowner with a concealed handgun license and a woman were leaving the home and getting into a car when two men wearing masks and gloves walked up to them. According to police, one of the males was in possession of a handgun and the other male was in possession of a crowbar. The male with the handgun struck the homeowner in head with the handgun and attempted to pull him out of the vehicle. The homeowner grabbed a handgun in his car and fired multiple times, striking the robber in the torso. The robber fired once, but the bullet missed the homeowner. During the shooting, the second suspect stole the female victim's purse and fled the scene. Paramedics pronounced the attacker who was shot dead at the scene. The homeowner was treated at a nearby hospital for a laceration on his head. The woman was not injured.

Home Invasion

24-year-old homeowner and CHL-holder E.M. returned home and was approached by two men in his driveway who attempted to rob him. The suspects forced the homeowner inside the home, where he was beaten and pistol whipped. At one point, the victim managed to get his personal weapon and fired in the direction of the suspects, hitting both. One male suspect was pronounced dead on scene by EMS. The second male suspect was arrested a short time later, about a block away, with a gunshot wound to the knee.

Bullying victim

Upset about water backing up in a drain near his home, a man described as a neighborhood bully covered A.J.'s driveway with mud and debris. When A.J. attempted to clean up the mess, the two got into a fight, and A.J., a concealed handgun license-holder, feeling cornered and threatened, fired three shots. Cleveland prosecutors charged A.J. with murder and felonious assault, but a Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court judge ruled that A.J. had acted in self-defense.

Motorcylist and Road Rage Victim

After a motorcyclist was confronted by a car driver who felt he had been cut off, and as the motorcyclist pulled his bike onto a nearby side street, the car driver parked his car and pulled a handgun out of the trunk. He shouted a few more words at the motorcyclist and then pulled back the slide on his pistol, chambering a round. The motorcyclist responded by drawing his own gun, for which he had a license to carry, and told the car driver that he had called the police. The car driver drove away, but an officer stopped him a short time later and arrested him after finding a .38 caliber pistol in his glove compartment, for which he did NOT have a license to carry.

Elementary School Principle

An elementary school principle went to a home to get a child who had not been showing up to school. Police say the student’s 18-year-old brother then pulled what looked like rifle on him. The principle, who was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, held the teen on the ground by gunpoint until police arrived. The weapon the teen reportedly pointed at the principle was found to be a BB gun, according to the report. The license-holder told police he could not distinguish the weapon as a toy, saying that he was in fear for his life and thought he would be shot. The 18 year-old charged with aggravated menacing and taken to Trumbull County Jail.

Family Dollar Shopper

An Ohio concealed handgun license-holder was forced to defend himself in a broad-daylight armed robbery at a local discount store. The incident happened about 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon in the parking lot of a Family Dollar Store. Both the CHL-holder and the robber shot at each other, but the robber missed. The CHL-holder's shot reportedly struck the robber in the head. The alleged robber was taken to a local hospital.

Carjacking Victim

A Mayfield Village woman and her adult son were cut off by an SUV, whose driver then exited the vehicle and approached their car with a gun in an apparent attempted carjacking. The woman's son, a concealed handgun license-holder, drew his own pistol and aimed it at the approaching armed driver, who then retreated to the SUV and drove away. Police said suspects in a similar vehicle were arrested later after a similar offense.

Fast Food Worker

A younger male wearing a camouflage jacket and a black knit cap entered the back door of a Mayfield Heights fast food business when an employee opened the door to take out the garbage. The suspect went into the store pointing a gun at employees. The store manager shot at the suspect three times. Officers were able to follow a blood trail from the restaurant, and eventually located the suspect, who had suffered from a single gunshot wound to the right wrist. The suspect was transported for treatment.

Crash Witness

Police say a suspect, who allegedly fled the scene of a single-car crash, was shot by a homeowner nearby during a violent altercation moments later. According to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect allegedly approached a man and woman who were outside their home in Violet Township and began to assault the man. The police say that’s when the woman, a CCW permit holder, showed her weapon and told the suspect to stop. According to police, the suspect allegedly then turned his attack toward the woman. The woman reportedly gave more commands to stop before firing five shots, hitting him at least three times. The attacker was given first aid by the homeowners, and taken by ambulance to the hospital in critical condition.

Greater Columbus area

Gun store owner

Ohio wrestled with the arguments against concealed carry reform for over a decade before finally passing HB12. Criminals murdered a pillar of the community just one month prior to licenses finally becoming available in Ohio. When criminals attempted to rob a gun store in Clintonville, 78 year-old owner Z.W., a longtime proponent of firearm rights and a military veteran, managed to untie himself, grab a gun and return fire, wounding one of his assailants. The criminal's motivation for the robbery was to obtain firearms. No concealed carry proponent was surprised that the criminals had not waited the extra month to obtain a CHL when the licenses became available, nor that the criminals did not want to bother with a background check or training. Sometimes things can be debated to death.

Talk show host

Talk show host and business owner C.M. obtained a CHL, in part, due to his running a security company. In that capacity, C.M. found himself in a "mob situation" as ten men surrounded him and began to attack. He drew his gun and fired, wounding two of the attackers. The remaining men fled into nearby apartments. C.M., with 23 years in the security business, said of his attackers, "It is a new breed. They don't need a reason." He was not charged.

Hotel manager

Perhaps emboldened by a rash of quick and easy motel robberies in the Columbus area, one armed robber made the mistake of his life when he walked into the Super 8 motel where CHL-holder R. was working. When the robber showed his gun and demanded money, R. drew his handgun and fired multiple shots into the bad guy. Police made an easy arrest of the repeat criminal, who later added a conviction of armed robbery to his record out of this incident, due to the fact that he never made it out of the lobby of the hotel. Franklin County prosecutors referred to the case as a "textbook" self-defense shooting and R. was not charged.

Crime Stoppers President

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers President K.M. had to draw his handgun to stop a man from beating him with a baseball bat on Sunday. K.M. said he was walking Archie on Sunday morning in Victorian Village when a car pulled up to him in an alley. "Before I knew it, he was out of the car and he was hitting me." He tried to block the bat with his arm, then was struck in the leg and went down. The attacker also hit the dog before K.M. pointed the gun at him. The attacker said something to K.M. and left, he said. K.M. has a concealed handgun license.

Concert-goer

Unfortunately, not all stories are positive examples. Take the Al Rosa bar shooting in which Nathan Gale stormed a concert stage and began to shoot at unarmed, innocent civilians. Thanks to Ohio's law prohibiting carrying in a bar, R.C., a CHL-holder and military veteran, had to stand 5 feet away and watch people get slaughtered while powerless to do anything. His handgun, which would have stopped this rampage of death promptly, was at home due to Ohio law. To add insult to injury, several victims have filed suit against the Al Rosa for having insufficient security. Due to Ohio law, R.C. would be unable to bring a similar suit, since business owners are given immunity for claims from a CHL who is disarmed on their property.

Drive-thru store owner

A drive-thru convenience store owner investigating why his security alarm went off after locking the door a half-hour after closing time was surprised by an intruder that had been hiding inside. The store owner attempted to hold the intruder at gun point, despite his reluctance to follow commands. It took more than six minutes from the time the store owner called 911 for law enforcement to arrive, but by then the intruder took advantage of a distracted store owner and escaped.

Hotel room occupant

A 70 year-old great grandmother who had cracked her hotel room door to stay within earshot of two teens in the next room has been credited by police for potentially saving the lives of her friends and family. When a man with a gun burst into the room and announced a robbery, the woman responded by drawing her own gun, which she was licenced to carry, and shooting the armed robber. The criminal exited the hotel room and was found by police lying dead in the parking lot.

Dog walker

A retired law enforcement officer who started out taking his dog for a walk in Grove City ended up shooting a would-be robber. 75 year-old R.M. was walking his dog behind Wendy's on Broadway when a young man approached him to ask about the breed of the dog. After engaging in conversation, police said the 18 year-old pulled a gun and demanded money. After turning over his wallet, R.M. drew his own gun, which he was licensed to carry. When the armed robber pointed his gun at R.M., the 75 year-old responded by drawing his gun and firing four shots, one of which struck the armed robber in the leg. The armed robber ran to a friend's house where he collapsed in the yard, police said. The armed robber is expected to recover from his wound, which police labeled as "significant." Police said R.M. is not expected to face charges.

Electronics buyer

Reports say L.S. agreed to meet at a house and purchase two television sets and a Play Station. But once he arrived at the agreed-upon location, four men, including the homeowner and purported seller of the electronics, jumped L.S. and attempted to steal money. L.S. is a concealed handgun license-holder, and had his personal weapon with him. He was able to draw his weapon and fire a single shot, striking two of his attackers. The suspects fled the scene and L.S. called police. One 23 year-old suspect was transported to the hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. A second suspect, 21, was transported in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the hip. Police also arrested the 22 year-old homeowner, and another 23 year-old in connection with the robbery.

ATM customer

A simple stop at an ATM ended when man pulled a gun on a would-be robber. E.T. said he was sitting in his SUV with the window down around 1 a.m. at the Fifth Third bank, when the suspect walked up and told him to hand over all of his money. E.T., a concealed carry weapons permit holder of three months, reached for his gun. The suspect ran. "I have never had to pull my gun, ever," said E.T. He credits his security guard training for not shooting the man. He said the suspect did not appear to have a weapon. "I did not see anything that looked like a knife or looked like a gun it was just an instant reaction and I pulled my weapon," said E.T. Police do not have any suspects.

Pizza delivery driver

According to police, the Padova's Pizza Delivery driver was delivering a pizza when two men armed with shotguns approached him, in the 3000 block of Hatfield Dr., at about 11:45 p.m.. The driver, who was licensed to carry a gun, told the men to stay away from him. When the men continued to approach the driver, he shot at them. One of the alleged would-be robbers was found a short distance away, on Rutledge Drive, with wounds to his face, chest and thigh. Police said that this would have been the second pizza delivery driver robbed in the area in a week and were working to learn if there was a connection. The man who was struck by bullets was transported to Grant Medical Center. The other suspected robber was not found after the shooting.

Robbery victim

The victim of an attempted robbery shot at his two assailants on the Near East Side and was shot himself in return, police said. According to Columbus police, the man, who has a concealed handgun license, was approached by two men who attempted to rob him on E. Main Street and Miller Avenue just after midnight. One of the attackers put a gun in the victim's stomach and fired, tearing a hole through the victim's midsection. The robbery victim pulled a gun and shot both suspects, identified as Alexander C. Pinkston, 21, of 1440 Burstock Rd., and Devante L. Michael, 18, of 852 Fairwood Ave., both on the South Side. Pinkston and Michael ran off and were found in separate locations. All three were taken to two area hospitals, where they are listed in stable condition.

Father of two month-old

K.S., 34, told police he was in the driveway of the home on Crescent Drive just before 9 p.m. when he was approached by a robber. K.S. said that he had his 2-month-old in a car carrier and had to shield him from the robber who held a gun at K.S.'s head. The suspect took K.S.'s money and started to flee the scene as he pointed the gun back at K.S. and his child. That's when K.S. pulled out his own gun and fired at the robber. The robber continued to run, but police said that a man fitting his description arrived at the hospital a short time later with a gunshot wound. Authorities said K.S. does have a license to carry a concealed handgun, and they believe he was trying to defend himself. Police are continuing to investigate, but the man at the hospital could face charges if it's determined he is the robbery suspect. K.S. and his child were uninjured in the robbery.

Attacked in parking lot

Police said a man shot a 19 year-old man in self-defense when attacked in a parking lot. Callers reported hearing seven gunshots as they called 911 after the shooting. Shawndell T. Bryant was rushed to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, but died a couple of hours later. Police said a 58-year-old man who admitted to shooting the teenager stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. That man also called 911 to report what he said happened. Officers said the initial investigation indicated that Bryant and a second man attacked the suspect in the parking lot, and the suspect shot Bryant. The victim is claiming self-defense. Investigators said he had injuries that supported his account.

Harassment victim

A mother and her 13 year-old son were at the corner store when two men approached them and opened fire, shooting the teen in both feet. The mother responded by pulling out her gun and returning fire. She said she recognized one of the suspects as a man who had been harassing her for years. She had been so concerned about the harassment that she got a concealed carry license. The suspects fled, firing as they ran, but both were later captured.

Home owner

A 911 call was placed about a home invasion. While officers were on their way, the armed suspects fled the home. As they were leaving, a family member who has a concealed carry license was pulling into the driveway of the home and immediately chased after the suspects. Within minutes, she was able to hold two of the men at gun point and even marched them back to the home and turned them over to officers. Two other suspects were detained soon thereafter and the four young men were all charged with aggravated burglary.

Walgreens shopper

A CHL-holder was confronted by an argumentative individual in a Walgreens, and was forced to defend himself when the individual began beating him. Law enforcement officers confirmed the CHL-holder's account through surveillance video. The attacker, who faced charges of menacing in 2011 and violation of a protection order in 2009, was transported to an area hospital where he died.

Meals-On-Wheels driver

A 75 year-old CHL-holder was approached by two teens in an attempted robbery while he was delivering food at 11:10 a.m. One of the teens, a 14-year-old, pulled out a gun while the other, believed to be 15-years-old, entered his car and stole the driver's cell phone and wallet. The driver pulled out his legally-owned gun and shot the 14-year-old. Medics arrived and transported the teen to Nationwide Children's Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 14-year-old has a criminal record for similar crimes. Police said the boy was arrested in August of 2020 for Theft of a Motor Vehicle, a felony, and in July of 2020 for two counts of Robbery and Kidnapping, both felonies.

Convenience store customer

An 18-year-old pulled a gun in an attempt to rob a 33-year-old man, but the man, who is a concealed handgun license-holder, took out his own gun and shot the 18-year-old dead. According to police, a 17-year-old boy who was with the 18-year-old during the robbery was arrested and charged with murder.

Robbery victim

Police say 18 year-old Kiran Hill and 17-year-old Josiah Cocroft tried to rob a 33-year-old man at the market. Hill pulled a gun on the man and then the man, who has a concealed handgun license, pulled out his own gun. The two exchanged gunfire, and Hill was shot and killed. Police later arrested Cocroft and charged him with murder.

Assault victim

Columbus Police say a man shot and killed another person after that person punched him and reached for something in his waistband. The shooter possesses a concealed handgun license and was not charged.

Father of twins

32 year-old N.M. went to a Columbus Shell station on Jan. 22 for a pre-arranged meeting to pick up his twin boys from the children's mother. As he was trying to remove the children from their car seats, he was assaulted by 31 year-old Jordan Clark, the mother's live-in boyfriend, who had accompanied her to the gas station. N.M., who was lawfully carrying a concealed handgun, said he was being beaten so savagely by Clark that he pulled his gun and fired one shot in self-defense. Clark was taken to the hospital where he susequently died. After retreating to his grandmother's house, N.M. called 911to report the incident. He was arrested and tried, but a jury of his peers acquitted him after finding that he had acted in self-defense.

Greater Dayton area

Robbery victim

Having been robbed in the past, M.H. made the decision to obtain a CHL to protect himself. Facing two armed teenage attackers, M.H., a parent himself, agonized over the need to employ force against the young men. Eventually making the decision that any CHL dreads having to make, M.H. exchanged gunfire with his attackers, wounding one of them. The two teens were arrested leaving the hospital after receiving treatment for their wounds. M.H. was not charged, and according to published reports, he still agonizes over the being forced to decide between using force against some else's children and not returning home to his own child.

Restaurant Owner

A suspected thief was hospitalized Friday after he tried to rob a local sandwich shop, according to police. The crime happened at the Subway shop on East Third Street near Monmouth in Dayton. Police said the suspect walked into the business, jumped the counter, and pulled out a gun. Investigators said before the alleged thief could say anything, the owner pulled out a gun and shot the robber in the arm. Officers arrived on the scene and took the suspect into custody. They also called medics who took the suspect to a local hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. Police said the owner of the store obtained a concealed handgun license after repeated robberies. The owner will not be charged in the shooting because he was defending himself and his business.

Ohio National Guardsman

R.B. said he had no time to consider the risks to himself when he confronted two ski-mask-wearing gunmen headed down his street Tuesday afternoon. The 24-year-old Ohio Air National Guardsman went into his house and came out with his personal 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handgun and headed into the street soon after he heard gunfire and screaming. Police said the gunfire had come from inside the Covault Market and Coin Laundry, where the owner and one of his employees had been shot and killed. Bragg said he heard gunshots at about 1:30 p.m. and got a bad feeling. Moments later, he saw two men carrying handguns headed his way. He told his mother to dial 911. "I just knew I had to stop them," recalled Bragg, who holds a concealed carry permit. He walked across the street with his handgun at the ready. When the two moved into range, Bragg identified himself as a military policeman and told both to stop, to drop their weapons and hit the ground. "They were both stunned," R.B. said. One lowered his gun. For an instant, the other began to raise his gun as if to take aim. "I think he thought about it," R.B. recalled. "And once he realized I was going to shoot him before he could shoot me, he just took off on foot." The suspect who lowered his gun hit the ground and dropped the gun and his ski mask. Police arrived soon thereafter and took the gunman into custody. The suspect that fled was captured by police.

Elderly Driver

A 24-year-old man who allegedly got out of his car and tried to rob an elderly man at gunpoint was shot by the would-be victim, who was licensed to carry a concealed weapon and fired to defend himself, police said. The robber was shot twice by the would-be victim, and was taken to Miami Valley Hospital, where Dayton police kept him under guard. The would-be victim, who in his 70s, was not injured. "Apparently he was trying to rob the older gentleman of something," Dayton police Sgt. Damon Castor said of the robber. "He picked on the wrong person." No charges had been filed.

Landlord

The landlord of an apartment complex called police to report that a former resident was trespassing on his property. The man tried to flee in his car, but the landlord decided to block the car with his own vehicle. The trespasser then drove around the interior of the apartment complex, running over grass, knocking over trash cans and a picnic table and nearly striking a few residents. After the driver ran into a parking post, the landlord tried to take his keys, but he backed his car into the landlord, pinning him against an apartment building. The landlord, who has an Ohio concealed handgun license, pulled out his .380-caliber pistol and shot his attacker, who drove off and collapsed at a nearby restaurant. When he is released from the hospital, the trespassing driver will likely be charged with multiple counts of felonious assault. The landlord did not require treatment for his injuries.

Gas station customer

Dayton Police say a man who was being robbed at a local gas station turned the table on his two attackers, shooting one of them. Police said the robbery victim, a concealed handgun license-holder, was being beaten by two men when he drew his gun and fired. The injured robber, Brandon Turner, was shot in the stomach with two .45 caliber rounds. He was originally listed in critical condition, but has been stabilized and is coopoerating with police. Police say he admits that he and his accomplice, Billy Blackburn Jr., had no real reason for the assault, other than being "hopped up on drugs." Turner reportedly had both crack cocaine and alcohol in his system. Police say the shooting was clearly self-defense, and that the CHL-holder will not face charges. The entire incident was caught on store's surveillance video system.

Used toy collector

M.L. and his 16-year-old were out collecting used toys. At one home, they accidentally drove onto some grass near the driveway. Deputies said Dennis Neumann then came out to complain. M.L. said he repeatedly apologized to Neumann and explained why he was there. But, Neumann eventually pulled out a shotgun and fired toward M.L. and his child. M.L., who has a concealed handgun license, pulled out his own gun and warn Neumann that if he fired again he would shoot back. During the incident someone called 911 and officers arrived on scene soon after. Neumann told deputies that he was upset M.L. was in his lawn because he had just planted grass seed. Neumann was arrested, and charged with aggravated menacing, inducing panic and discharging a firearm.

Craigslist buyer

A 32-year-old man told Dayton police he thought he was simply completing a Craigslist sale when he was held up downtown and robbed at gunpoint. The man, who was robbed of $200, deals in used electronics, specifically cell phones, and uses the popular website, Craigslist.org, to place ads and make sales. He said he received a text offering an iPhone and iPod for sale. The seller asked the man to meet him near his home but the victim said he wasn't comfortable doing that. They agreed to meet at a downtown restaurant in the afternoon, and the seller told the man he'd be wearing red sunglasses. The man said he arrived and saw a group of men, including a man with red sunglasses, standing in front of the restaurant. The suspect then showed a small-caliber handgun and demanded money. The man gave up the $200 and the suspect started to walk away. He then turned around and demanded the victim's phone too. By this time, the robbery victim had drawn his own handgun, for which he had a license to carry, and pointed it at the suspect. The suspect fled on foot.

Yard worker

A Dayton resident told investigators he was doing work in the backyard of the house when two men approached him, demanded his belongings, then pulled out a gun. The victim, who has a license to carry a concealed handgun, fired several rounds from his pistol before one of the suspects could pull his trigger. The suspects then fled the scene, but officers brought in a K9 unit and found both men nearby in an alleyway. One of the suspects suffered a gunshot wound to the back and was taken to Miami Valley Hospital.

Shoe shopper

Three juvenile males approached two adult men outside the Dayton Mall at 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. One of the juveniles produced a gun and demanded newly purchased limited-edition athletic shoes from their intended victims. Fortunately, police say one of the intended victims had a valid carry concealed handgun license. He pulled out a gun of his own and shot the teen who had the gun. That teen, identified in the article as Jawaad Jabbar, 16, died from a single gunshot wound. Police say two juvenile males were arrested.

Laundromat customer

Two robbery suspects were seen on surveillance video getting out of a minivan just after midnight while wearing masks and entering the building. Moments later, the suspects came running back out of the store, with a customer following close behind pointing a handgun at the suspects as the getaway vehicle drove off, leaving at least one of the robbers running behind. Dayton police said the two suspects who entered the laundry both displayed weapons but didn't get away with any cash, thanks to the concealed handgun licensee, who chased them away.

Crime-plagued homeowner

A woman who has been targeted by criminals no less than five times in eleven years fatally shot a man who broke into her second floor window after failing to gain entry on the first floor. At about 3:05 a.m., police dispatch received a call about a break-in. The woman heard someone making noise outside and break a window. The suspect could not get inside because of metal security bars. The man then climbed a porch pillar to the roof and broke a window on the second floor. The victim hid in the bathroom but opened fire when the intruder came toward her. The injured suspect fled out the window, jumped from the roof and ran down the street, leaving behind a trail of blood. He was dead found a short distance away with a gun shot wound to the chest. The same female victim, whose name police did not release, also shot and wounded a juvenile who kicked in her back door in June 2013.

Restaurant customer

Frequent customer J.B. was sitting in a booth at Tipp of the Town restaurant when a waitress informed him that they had just been robbed. He immediately jumped up and then went out the door chasing after the robber. As he approached the robber's vehicle, he say the robber reach up to his visor for something. Fearing he had a weapon, drew his own firearm and ordered the robber to exit the vehicle. When he told the suspect to lie down in the parking lot until police arrived, the man tried to take off. J.B. then reholstered his firearm and put the man in a choke-hold until police arrived. The robber was charged with aggravated robbery. The CHL-holder was hailed by the restaurant owner as a hero.

Purse-snatching witness

A woman being called a "pistol-packing granny" helped an 84-year-old woman who was targeted by a robber. M.M. said said while she was on her way to pick up her grandchildren, she saw the woman chasing a robber along North Main Street in Franklin. A man had snatched her purse outside a business. She said the man appeared to have a gun in a holster. She has had her concealed carry weapon for four years because she wanted to avoid being victimized while she had breast cancer. It paid off. "I alerted him that I had my CCW and that I would like him to please drop her purse and to stop, that the police were on their way. He dropped the purse, turned his back to me, held his hands up in the air and said, 'You can't shoot me in the back and I'm going to go ahead and go.'"

McDonald's Customer

When a 22 tear-old Coshocton man began making threats while inside the restaurant, and brandished a knife, an Ohio concealed handgun license-holder took notice and confronted him. The customer drew his firearm on the man. The two men then went outside the restaurant, where the man with the knife set the knife down. Sheriff’s deputies took the suspect into custody without any problems.

Road rage victim

Investigators say they arrived at the apartment and found a crowd of people and a blue SUV that had crashed into the apartment. A female reportedly approached a deputy as he arrived and stated that she was a CCW permit holder and that she had shot the driver of the blue SUV after he had attempted to strike her with the vehicle, police said. The female who shot the man was interviewed by police and later released after detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit reviewed video footage of the incident and interviewed several witnesses who had been present when the incident occurred.

Pizza Delivery Driver

Two armed attackers, one with a crowbar and one with a bladed weapon, sprinted into a Papa John's and confronted three employees. One of the employees had a concealed handgun license and was armed. He responded to the attack, firing his handgun. One attacker was struck and died at the scene. A second atacker escaped. When the employer called 911, he told the dispatcher “I’m just so glad my driver has a concealed carry, because I wouldn’t know what to do with them running in like that.”

Greater Toledo area

Family businessman

A mere three days after receiving his CHL, H.H. was working in his family-run business when an armed robber entered the store, demanding money and a 12 pack of beer. H.H. managed to pull his handgun and fire 4 shots. The wounded attacker was later apprehended. H.H. was not charged.

Small business owner

A small business owner in Toledo, D.E. felt it was prudent to obtain a CHL due to long, lonely hours. When a robber entered the store and threatened to shoot his clerk, D.E. didn't hesitate to act. The bad guy fled after D.E. fired two rounds into the getaway car's front tire. Jumping into his own car with another patron, D.E. followed the bad guy with a cell phone, leading police to the suspect, who was arrested. The Sheriff's Deputy commented D.E. handled the situation "extremely well." He was not charged.

Robbery victim

A 21-year-old central Toledo man was fatally shot Sunday night by the victim of an apparent robbery attempt, police said. The robber died at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center about 30 minutes after being shot. R.J., 21, was sitting in an older model, custom-painted orange car on Norwood when three males approached on foot and pointed a gun at him. R.J., who has a license to carry a concealed handgun, was armed with a 40-caliber pistol. R.J. told police the suspects approached him, pointed a gun at his face, and he began shooting. Multiple shots were exchanged and the armed robber was shot twice. When police arrived, the robber was lying face down in the street. A pistol was found underneath him. Police said it appears R.J. acted in self-defense and no charges have been filed against him.

Elderly Cancer Survivor

R.P., a 68-year-old cancer survivor, says she was taking a nap Thursday around noon when a man broke into her home. Her dogs woke her up. "It was scary because it was real dark and all I could see was his shadow." So she reached for the .38 Smith and Wesson her husband bought her before he died in January. "As I turned to go get the gun he had already cleared the window. If I could've got him, I would've got him right in the rear." The would-be victim chased the man out into her driveway and fired five rounds into the grill of the man's van as he was backing out of her driveway, before calling 911. "I'm not harmed. I'm fine. I don't think the guy will be back. If he does, I have another gun waiting on him and I'm not afraid to use it." R.P. has a concealed handgun license. She urges all women who live alone to purchase a gun. "Don't piss off Grandma!" she concluded.

Music store owner

A few minutes after a man entered the store asking about getting a job, he returned a few minutes later and held a gun to the clerk's head. As the suspect led the clerk to a back room, the clerk called out "I need help" and a co-owner, E.B., appeared with a gun, which he is licensed to carry. The attacker reportedly fired first, but missed. E.B. returned fire, striking the armed robber twice. The criminal then fled the store and ran across the road, where he collapsed. Police said he was transported to the University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition.

Shop owner

A shop owner says he spotted the man trying to steal a car and confronted him. He says that's when the suspect came at him with a knife. The businessman, who is a concealed handgun licensee, fired a shot at the suspect. The bullet grazed the suspect, who took off running and was apprehended by police. Police say the suspect will face charges. The owner of the shop is cooperating with police and is not facing any charges.

Attacked after work

T.R. noticed something suspicious as he pulled up to his home after work at 4:00 a.m. He told police a vehicle drove down his street and slowed down. T.R., a CHL-holder, put his gun in his pocket and got out of his car. According to police, the suspect then ran up to the victim in the yard, pulled out a handgun and yelled, “Don’t move!” T.R. shot the man and called 9-1-1. The suspect, who was later identified as Antonio Hadley, fled before police arrived. Police say he later checked into the emergency room with a gun shot wound to the abdomen. T.R.'s mother is quoted as saying her son bought a gun and got a CHL this year after two break-ins at the family’s home on Baker.

Road rage victim

Police responded to a shots-fired call in the 5200 block of Monroe St. around 8:15 p.m. Wednesday. Officers located a scene there, and other officers were sent to a location just across the state line in Michigan, where one of the involved vehicles was parked. Witnesses told police they saw a Black male exit a white Chevy Malibu or Impala and begin firing at a dark-colored sedan on Monroe. Two other witnesses stated they saw the driver of the dark-colored sedan begin firing back. The owner of the dark-colored sedan reported that he was involved in a road rage incident with another unknown individual who cut him off in his car and began firing a gun. The CHL-holder, who had his two young children, aged 4 and 2, in the car with him, drew his firearm, for which he is licensed to carry, and began returning fire.

Around Ohio

Road rage victim (Athens area)

CHL-holder and doctor J.M. found himself staring out his driver's window at an irate driver in a road rage encounter. The other driver involved had left his own vehicle and approached J.M.'s vehicle, threatening him with bodily harm. J.M. drew his gun and difused the situation long enough for the police to respond to the scene. No shots were fired, and J.M. was not placed on trial after the prosecutor completed an investigation.

Road rage victim (Galion area)

Two men have been arrested in the investigation of a burglary around 11:35 a.m. at a home in Crestline. Crawford County Sheriff's officers arrested Thomas Holbrook, 27, and Richard Stall, 25, both of Galion. Both men were booked into the Crawford County Jail on charges of burglary. Sheriff officials say they responded to a 9-1-1 call of a burglary in progress and the homeowner, who is a licensed concealed-carry weapons permit holder, gave chase to the men and held one at gunpoint until officers arrived. The second suspect fled but was apprehended two hours later trying to flee a wooded area.

Newspaper ad responder (Lancaster area)

N.Z. was meeting an individual to purchase a contruction equipment on a Tuesday afternoon. As he approached the supposed buyer, a second, wearing a black ski mask, approached from N.Z.'s left and told him to get down while pointing a black handgun at him. N.Z., who was carrying $7,000 cash, dropped to the ground and pulled his .38 caliber handgun and shot six times at the male in the ski mask. The man in the ski mask fired three shots at N.Z. in the exchange. N.Z., who has an Ohio Concealed Handgun License and was also carrying a back-up gun, was not injured in the incident. The police report did not specify whether the man in the ski mask, who fled the scene in a black vehicle, was injured in the exchange.

Woman walking dog (Lancaster area)

D.B., a concealed handgun licensee, only recently started taking her handgun while walking her dog. While on a footpath near Sanderson Elementary School, she says two men came out of the woods, one holding a baseball bat, and ordered her to go with them. The men weren't deterred by her dog Gracie. "I said, 'Well, what do you want?,' and as I was saying that I reached in to my pocket and slipped my gun out, slipped the safety off as I pulled it out. As I was doing that the other gentleman came toward me and raised the baseball bat. And, I pointed the gun at them and said, 'I have this and I'm not afraid to use it.'" The men took off and so far have eluded police. "I think if they'd gotten any closer, I probably would have fired," said D.B., who says she only remembers that her assailants were young men, both of them white.

Domestic violence victim (Lima area)

A.B. was standing in a grassy area near the parking lot of a Lima hotel when his wife, who was at the hotel with another man, tried to run him down with a car. A.B., who has a concealed handgun license, said he acted in self-defense by firing a handgun at the approaching car. The wife was wounded in the leg. A.B. was prosecuted, but was acquitted of criminal charges by a jury of his peers.

Supermarket employee (Massillon area)

A concealed handgun license-holder was sitting in his car in a supermarket parking lot when he saw a violent robbery take place. The man shot Andrew Robinson, 20, of Massillon, in the groin after he saw Robinson pistol-whip a 22-year-old store employee, according to police. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the store parking lot. Police said the CHL-holder has not been charged in the incident. Robinson, who was already wanted for armed robbery stemming from an incident two months before, was apprehended at a nearby apartment complex.

'Good Samaritan' (Portsmouth area)

The tables turned quickly on a Florida man who police say tried to steal a truck on Route 278 in Vinton County. A Zaleski man had stopped his truck along Route 278 one afternoon to help Donald Dwayne O'Connor Jr. When O'Conner allegedly tried to steal the vehicle, the truck's driver, a concealed handgun licensee, pulled out a weapon, held O'Connor at gunpoint and called for law enforcement. Deputies arrived to find O'Connor still held at gunpoint. O'Connor was found to have an active warrant from Tennessee.

Pizza deliveryman (Warren area)

A small business owner and CHL-holder, E.M. found himself facing four masked assailants while on a pizza delivery. The assailants held E.M. in an abandoned house at knifepoint and beat him while demanding money. E.M. drew his handgun and fired three shots, ending the attack and allowing him to call police. The police found the body of a 16 year old near by, apparently one of the attackers. E.M. was not charged.

City councilman (Warren area)

Warren City councilman B.D., D-at large, said he was getting ready to go to a party Saturday night when he noticed someone near the shed in his back yard at 11:43 p.m. Thinking it might be connected to the rash of shed break-ins in the city, the councilman said he grabbed his gun, for which he has a conceal handgun license, "and told him in graphic language to get on the ground. He laid down spread eagle, which told me two things one, he'd done it before, and two, the communication between me and him was pretty good." B.D. said he had to hold the gun on the man for several minutes until police officers arrived.

Drive-by shooting victim (Warren area)

CHL-holder K.F. was able to defend herself when a gold van drove up beside her and the men inside started firing their guns at her. K.F. pulled out her gun and shot back, then called police. While she was telling police what happened, a bulletin about a man who was brought to a hospital with a gunshot would came across the radio. Authorities also later spotted a van matching the description K.F. had provided and found the man who had allegedly been driving the vehicle during the attack. Both men were charged, and a warrant was issued for a third accomplice.

Carjacking victim (Youngstown area)

A 55-year-old man thwarted a carjacking after exchanging gunfire with the would-be thief. M.B. told police he had pulled his vehicle into his driveway about 12:45 a.m. when one of three men who was walking past his home started shooting at him. The victim, who police reported has a concealed handgun license, returned fire. M.B. suffered a cut hand, but police say he wounded his assailant, who is in a Warren hospital pending filing of charges.

Carjacking victim #2 (Youngstown area)

D.F., 23, was shot in the arm during the brief shootout at the South Avenue Gas Mart, thwarted an attempted carjacking by firing five shots from the gun he carried on his right hip. His cousin, E.M., 32, was shot in the leg. D.F. told police he was inside the South Avenue Gas Mart when he heard his cousin yelling for him. When he came outside two masked men were standing at the back driver's side and passenger doors to his 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue and another standing at the front driver's seat firing shots at E.M., who was crawling on the ground towards the gas station door. D.F. told police he fired five shots at the men, hitting the car. He said he was unsure if he hit any of the masked men, who fled east on E. Dewey Avenue.

Store clerk (Youngstown area)

Ja’Braelyn Bunn, 17, of Youngstown, and Kimani Hodges walked in the store together. Bunn produced a rifle and demanded money from the clerk behind the counter, according to police. The clerk, believed to be in his 20s, had a gun of his own and opened fire, hitting Bunn in the side and forcing him to drop his gun. “He demanded the clerk to give him some money. The clerk felt threatened and had a lawful CCW permit, and shot at the suspect,” said Struthers Police Chief Tim Roddy. Both teens ran from the store, but were caught a short time later.

Police-altercation passerby (Mount Vernon)

Mount Vernon Officer Michael Wheeler was attempting to apprehend a suspect when things turned bad. The suspect was disoriented and very aggressive, and while attempting to place him under arrest, Wheeler got himself into a spot he didn’t want to be. Somehow in the altercation, the suspect was able to gain control and was on top of Wheeler, attempting to take his firearm. That’s when CHL-holder D.D. stepped in, announcing he had a concealed handgun license. While the suspect was distracted, Wheeler managed to flip him over and handcuff him.

Homeowner (Gallia County)

On a spring morning, a woman was home alone, bathing and heard a pounding at an exterior door, a slamming and a scratching sound. The family’s dogs were barking. The woman reported she stopped bathing and wrapped herself in a towel before opening the door to the bathroom and coming face-to-face with a home invader dressed in nothing but boxer shorts. The woman screamed at him to leave, but he did not. She then kicked him, and went to her bedroom to retrieve her revolver, for which she has a license to carry concealed. Not knowing if the man was still inside, the woman then set off her home alarm to alert law enforcement. She heard the dogs barking again, and opened a door to her "sun room," and saw the man approaching her holding a kitchen shears over his head. She shot him once in the chest and once in the head. Post-mortem drug tests showed methamphetamine and amphetamine present inthe attacker's body at the time of death. Officials were quoted as saying “Had she not been prepared and trained like she was, we could have been looking at an unsolved murder.”

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To repeat, the above examples are just the ones we are aware of.

Approaching two decades and counting under the concealed carry licensure law, well over a half a million licenses have been issued, and the list will continue to grow.

The following is clear: The proponent predictions are accurate. The law is working to protect law-abiding citizens, but the poison-pill provisions continue to needlessly expose the law-abiding, and only the law-abiding, to criminal prosecutions.

The proponent case is proven, the opponent predictions ring hollow, and it is time to make Ohio's law more rational by stripping out every last poison-pill provision the opponents insisted upon, including the ridiculous gun bans in various locations, which criminals simply ignore.

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