AUGUSTA, GEORGIA — When two illegally armed criminals got into a shoot-out at a public fireworks event, two legally armed bystanders stepped in. In a crowded environment along the Riverwalk in Augusta, Georgia, shots rang out even as the fireworks finale was finishing up. The first criminal, just released from prison last year, was hit in the face and leg.
Two fast-thinking bystanders quickly stepped in. One bystander tackled the injured criminal and a concealed carrier opened fire on the second. The second criminal may have been hit but fled the scene before any could identify him.
As for the crook who got hit in the face, his gun was traced back to a stolen firearm in South Carolina. So the argument that “thugs can’t get their hands on guns” goes right out the window.
The second one is believed to have dropped his gun but it was later recovered by a citizen.
The two good guys were admonished for their actions but the Richmond County Sheriff had a strongly worded warning for others who may consider such actions.
via the Augusta Chronicle
“Anytime you engage in a dangerous situation, there are consequences. Fortunately in this particular case, no one else was injured, and that is great,” Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree said. “But given the circumstances, it could have gone terribly wrong.”
This was a tough call as a concealed carrier to make. At a crowded event attended by the public, it is easy for the two criminals to have accidentally hit or killed someone around them. The concealed carriers’ first instincts to put down the bad guys likely saved others in the area from harm.
Police tend to warn against such public displays because there is a serious risk of injury or death. That said, these good guys were able to neutralize both attackers and get one on the ground and the other to flee.
Ultimately, we always try to reinforce the core concept of protecting self, family, and property. When it gets to this type of event, two criminals getting in a shoot-out in a public place, it’s a hard call to make as to whether or not to get involved.
A concealed carrier does not have to involve himself if he does not want to. It may even be highly advised not to if he isn’t certain he can put rounds on target without injuring others in the nearby area.
In situations like this, if a concealed carrier does not want to get involved, take cover.
Two dumb thugs getting in a shoot-out likely means neither cares who gets hurt around them. They’re too busy fighting over egos to notice if innocent people get caught in the cross-hairs.
Do what you think is best to protect yourself and those close to you from harm. Good job on both of these brave men for rising to the occasion.