Thieves Try To Rob Man, But He’s A Retired Police Captain With A Gun

Police — who were reportedly alerted to the shooting by the city’s ShotSpotter system, which uses acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and alert law enforcement in real-time — arrived at the scene to find Joyner and the downed suspect suffering from gunshot wounds. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, but thankfully, Joyner was alive.

The former police captain, who had retired after nearly three decades in law enforcement, was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition. Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong confirmed that Joyner was legally permitted to carry a firearm.

During a news conference regarding the shooting, Armstrong decried the incident as yet another example of the violent crime overtaking the Bay Area after the city had been rocked by significant increases in shootings, carjackings, and homicides. “This highlights the violence that we’ve seen in this city this entire year. We have seen so many tragic situations. We have seen so many people lose their lives as a result of violence,” Armstrong said. “This again shows us how brazen individuals involved in this activity can be.”

Brazen, indeed. These men approached their intended victim in broad daylight at a gas station, most of which are known to have surveillance cameras. Neither the light of day or the threat of being captured on camera deterred them. But, a good guy with a gun did. When the target of their violence exercised his Second Amendment rights, the suspects scattered like cockroaches. This is exactly why so many law-abiding American citizens have chosen to arm themselves. When criminals have guns, their would-be victims have every right to defend themselves with the same force.