GREENSVILLE COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — As gun owners, we chant the mantra all the time of “You never know when something might happen,” or “you have to always be prepared for anything.” For one South Carolina grocery shopper, those saying became reality when they had to defend their life during an assault.
According to the sheriff’s office, 26-year-old Robert Harold Mattson was arrested and charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature after they say he charged a man and placed him in a choke hold during an altercation.
Via Fox Carolina
According to the sheriff’s office, the victim shot Mattson in self-defense who was then transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries and remains there for medical treatment.
We don’t know what led to the altercation that precipitated the attack. The report doesn’t say these two men knew each other, so we can guess the incident happened in the heat of the moment. The unidentified shooter was charged at and put into a choke hold. While getting choked out, he somehow managed to grab his firearm and shoot his attacker.
Both men suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. The attacker, Robert Mattson was charged with assault and battery. Fortunately for the shooter, the sheriff has determined that the shooting was an act of self defense and no charges are being filed. In a circumstance like this where you are literally being choked out, and could very well risk passing out, the importance of keeping one in the chamber resurfaces.
It would be mighty hard to try and chamber the first round if you only have one hand available, or if you are seconds away from passing out. Some people don’t like keeping a round in the chamber over safety reasons, but instances like this show just how important it can be. If it is not something you are comfortable with, practicing can help give you more control and confidence over your firearm; which will help alleviate some of those safety concerns.
