The Media Gets It Wrong Again: Legally Armed Texan Shoots And Kills Man Assaulting Him

When the news broke, they called the assailant a victim (and still haven’t changed it).

When the story developed, they called the armed citizen the gunman (in the URL).

Nope, sorry. You’re using these terms incorrectly.

On Saturday morning, a couple was busy getting kicked out of numerous establishments, while a 65-year-old man was trying to rent a movie from a red box.

Investigators were told Saturday that Michael Caldwell, 31, and his girlfriend were asked to leave IHOP at about 9:15 a.m. at Highway 64 west and Loop 323, after they caused a disturbance in the restaurant.

Tyler police were then called by a driver who stated that a male and female were out in traffic and looked as if they were going to get hit because the male was chasing cars on foot at Highway 64 west and Loop 323. Tyler police were en-route to the area to investigate.

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Caldwell and his girlfriend then entered the Walgreens where they were also being disruptive, according to police.

Caldwell approached [Fredy] Neal outside of the store in the parking lot. He got into a verbal altercation with Neal as Neal was attempting to use the Red Box. Caldwell became more agitated with Neal as he attempted to keep Caldwell away from him.

Neal then pulled out a handgun and after several attempts to keep Caldwell from assaulting him, he shot him once in the chest.

Neal holds a concealed carry permit in Texas and was in fear for his life, hence the drawing of his firearm and ultimate discharge.

Don Martin, public information officer for Tyler police department, said that Texas “stand your ground” laws may be raised in this case. “He felt that he was in fear for his life….” said Martin.

It is likely that Neal will not be charged in this incident. When factoring in disparity of force, it’s easily seen that a 65-year-old man being physically assaulted by a 31-year-old might not end well for the 65-year-old.

What do you think?