91-Year-Old Man Stands Ground; Shoots Robber In Parking Lot

posted on August 27, 2016
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“This is a textbook case for why concealed pistol licenses are issued in the first place. American citizens have the right to protect themselves …”

That was Macomb County, Mich., Prosecutor Eric Smith, in announcing that no charges will be filed against a 91-year-old carry permit holder who shot a suspected robber.

The incident took place in Eastpointe, Mich., as the elderly man stepped from his car at a local pharmacy. Witnesses say Richard Ashford, 30, approached him in a “threatening manner,” causing the man to announce he was armed while returning to his vehicle. After Ashford left, the man again tried to enter the store. However, Ashford returned and rushed the man, this time holding a piece of metal in his hand. The 91-year-old drew his .38-caliber revolver and fired, missing first, then hitting Ashford in the neck. Ashford was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while a warrant for his arrest was authorized for assault with a dangerous weapon.

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