VERO BEACH, FLORIDA — A man with a permit to carry a concealed handgun was able to defend his life after a homeless man grabbed his arm and attempted to stab him.
According to the concealed carrier’s testimony to Vero Beach police, he was helping a family member change a flat tire when the homeless man accused them of trying to steal his possessions. The homeless man was sleeping in the back of a gas station and came out and confronted them. The concealed carrier got into his vehicle but the homeless man grabbed his arm while he was in his vehicle. He said the homeless man had a knife and attempted to stab him, so he retrieved his handgun and shot him.
The homeless man was identified as Robert Steven Rock, 53. He received a single gunshot wound and died from his injuries. He was declared deceased at the Indian River Medical Center at 12:21 a.m.
Vero Beach News confirmed through the Vero Beach police department that the man defending his own life had a permit to carry a concealed handgun. It’s also apparent that the man attempted to avoid the confrontation altogether by leaving the premises. What we’re left with is a truly unpleasant situation.
Any concealed carrier, when given an opportunity to leave, ought do so. The potential harm of being involved in a violent conflict is too great. Whether this homeless man was delusional or simply not thinking clearly, he pursued this man to his vehicle and attempted to reach inside to presumably do bodily harm.
That’s why we have to protect ourselves and stay armed at all times. A permit to carry concealed is only as good as the man or woman carrying. Your life and your family depend upon you — do the right thing. Carry everyday, everywhere you go.
