A 43-year-old taxi driver in Metairie, La., was in his cab during the early morning hours of Aug. 21 when a man approached and pointed a gun at him while demanding money. The cab driver, fearing for his life, shot the assailant multiple times, killing him. Sheriff’s office investigators said the suspect was likely the same person who had held up two other taxi drivers in the week preceding this incident. No charges are expected to be filed against the armed citizen. (nola.com, New Orleans, La., 8/24/23)
A convenience-store owner in Houston, Texas, had just returned from the bank and was about to enter his store on Aug. 16 when he was reportedly hit in the back of the head with a blunt object. He turned and saw multiple masked attackers wearing gloves. The store owner drew his firearm and shot at the assailants. An employee inside the store, hearing the commotion, also fired at the suspects. Two of the attackers died at the scene while a third suspect drove away. The assistant police chief noted “our citizens do have the right to defend themselves, and choices have consequences.” Police also said they believe the incident was an example of “jugging,” wherein robbers identify potential victims while they’re at a bank or ATM and then follow them to their work or home. (khou.com, Houston, Texas, 8/16/23)
