Off-duty bartender Mica Smith was dining on the patio of Conversion Brewing Company in Lebanon, Ore., with his wife and friends when he heard a man yell, “What the [expletive] did you say to me?” Smith then saw 30-year-old Michael Ryan VanGelder—who was standing over a woman in the parking lot—pull out a knife.
Fortunately for the victim, Smith wasn’t just a bartender—he was also a 10-year Army veteran and a concealed-carry permit holder. Smith ran toward VanGelder and drew his handgun, warning VanGelder to drop the knife, but VanGelder ran instead. After a chase, Smith and the female victim managed to tackle VanGelder and take his weapon. Fearing he would try to run again, Smith’s wife sat on the perpetrator and Smith kept watch with gun at the ready until police arrived.
Witnessing Smith’s brave actions has made some observers question their anti-gun beliefs. “There were people there that were against concealed carry,” said Smith. “But after what happened, they've changed their minds.”
