51-year-old David Freeman, of Lake Mary, Florida was arrested at Orlando International Airport after screeners found a loaded .380-caliber Ruger handgun in his carry-on luggage. Freeman, a law abiding citizen who has a concealed weapons permit for the gun, told authorities he forgot he had the gun in his bag. Freeman was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm in a prohibited place. His gun was confiscated.
Someone who doesn't remember that they are carrying a loaded handgun does not deserve to have a concealed weapons permit.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Michigan man receives probation for waving gun at off-duty police officer
25-year-old Kenneth Green of Saginaw, Michigan was driving his car last September when he stopped abruptly, which resulted in the car behind him beeping his horn. The car that beeped was being driven by an off-duty police officer who was trying to get into the post office and honked at Green to try and get him to move his car forward. The two exchanged words over the incident and Green "produced a black semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the officer and waved it around his car."
On Tuesday, Green pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The judge sentenced Green to 18 months of probation. She pointed out that Green had no criminal record, including any misdemeanors or juvenile offenses, as a reason for the probation-only sentence.
On Tuesday, Green pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The judge sentenced Green to 18 months of probation. She pointed out that Green had no criminal record, including any misdemeanors or juvenile offenses, as a reason for the probation-only sentence.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Man fires assault rifle in Arkansas courthouse
48-year-old James Palmer of Van Buren, Arkansas walked into the Crawford County courthouse Tuesday wearing a long trench coat, despite the simmering temperature. He asked to speak to Circuit Judge Gary Cottrell and when he was told the judge wasn't in he took a gun from under his coat and started firing. He wounded the judge's secretary in the leg as she was fleeing. He then fired at least 70 rounds from an assault rifle and three semi-automatic handguns as employees hid under desks and behind doors. Palmer left the courthouse and exchanged gunfire with police. He was shot and died of his injuries.
Palmer had no criminal history and had a concealed weapons permit. The motive behind the shootings was unclear, but police believe Judge Cottrell handled Palmer's divorce and child custody proceedings in 2008. "This guy came heavily armed. He came here for a mission," said Sheriff Ron Brown. "When all the pieces are put together in this case the public will see, this man came to die on the Crawford County Courthouse lawn. He was going to take as many people as he could with him."
Palmer had no criminal history and had a concealed weapons permit. The motive behind the shootings was unclear, but police believe Judge Cottrell handled Palmer's divorce and child custody proceedings in 2008. "This guy came heavily armed. He came here for a mission," said Sheriff Ron Brown. "When all the pieces are put together in this case the public will see, this man came to die on the Crawford County Courthouse lawn. He was going to take as many people as he could with him."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Nevada man kills four, wounds seven others at local IHOP
Records show that Eduardo Sencion had no criminal record, not even a traffic ticket. Family members say Sencion was mentally troubled, but no other details were given. Police are examining the gun to determine if it was automatic or semi-automatic. Sencion used 30 round clips and reloaded at least once. Police found a handgun and another assault rifle in Sencion's van. Ralph Swagler, the owner of the other restaurant in the shopping center, said when he heard Sencion start shooting he went to grab his own weapon but decided against engaging Sencion in a gun battle. "I had my pistol; I wasn't going up against an automatic rifle," he said. "I'm sorry. I wish I would have shot him in the back now as he was going toward IHOP, but I wasn't clear on the situation. When he came at me, when somebody is pointing an automatic weapon at you - you can't believe the firepower, the kind of rounds coming out of that weapon."
Six of the seven people wounded remain hospitalized with severe injuries. Police still don't have a motive for the shooting.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Man sentenced to life in prison for double-murder
53-year-old Saul Moreno was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as well as 102 years to life in prison for the murders of 55-year-old Alan Bohnhoff and 31-year-old Jamie Sanchez. The judge in the case said he was "astonished to see a man with no previous criminal record responsible for such a senseless killing."
Moreno worked with Bohnhoff and Sanchez at a lumber yard in Vernon, California. He was passed over for a promotion in 2006 when Sanchez was promoted. Moreno felt not only that he deserved the promotion but that he was being assigned work that should have been given to Sanchez.
On the morning of May 18, 2009, Moreno showed up for work with a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun. According to court transcripts Moreno made a comment to the effect of "things are going to change, I'm not the same man today," and then shot Bohnhooff and Sanchez to death. He was initially charged with attempted murder because he allegedly tried to shoot Bohnhoff's son but failed because his gun jammed. A judge dismissed the charge.
Moreno was heard talking about shooting Bohnhoff and his son months before the killing. Records indicate that the reason Moreno was not promoted was "he had a problem getting along with other coworkers and customers. He wasn't a people person."
Moreno worked with Bohnhoff and Sanchez at a lumber yard in Vernon, California. He was passed over for a promotion in 2006 when Sanchez was promoted. Moreno felt not only that he deserved the promotion but that he was being assigned work that should have been given to Sanchez.
On the morning of May 18, 2009, Moreno showed up for work with a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun. According to court transcripts Moreno made a comment to the effect of "things are going to change, I'm not the same man today," and then shot Bohnhooff and Sanchez to death. He was initially charged with attempted murder because he allegedly tried to shoot Bohnhoff's son but failed because his gun jammed. A judge dismissed the charge.
Moreno was heard talking about shooting Bohnhoff and his son months before the killing. Records indicate that the reason Moreno was not promoted was "he had a problem getting along with other coworkers and customers. He wasn't a people person."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Hance purchased gun from pawn shop five days before killings
51-year-old Michael Hance of Copley Township, Ohio purchased one of the two guns he used in a shooting spree, a .45-caliber handgun, at a pawn shop in Barberton, OH five days before going on a shooting rampage. Because Hance had no criminal record he easily passed the criminal background check and took immediate possession of the gun. A dispute between Hance and his longtime girlfriend, Becky Dieter, over the home where they lived apparently led to the shootings. Hance killed seven people before being shot and killed by police.
Autopsy reports show six of the seven victims died from gunshot wounds to the head. Hance's neighbor, 67-year-old Russell Johnson, died from gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He was also shot twice in the buttocks.
Russell's wife, 64-year-old Gerdie Johnson, died from a single gunshot to the head. She was shot four times.
The couple's son, 44-year-old Bryan Johnson, was killed by multiple gunshot wounds to his head. He was shot five times.
Bryan's daughter, 16-year-old Autumn Johnson, died from gunshot wounds to the chest, neck, and extremities.
Autumn's friend, 16-year-old Amelia Shambaugh, died from a single gunshot wound to the head. She was also shot in the leg. The two teenagers were killed while sitting in a car in the Johnson's driveway.
51-year-old Craig Dieter, brother of Hance's girlfriend Becky, died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Craig's 11-year-old son Scott was reportedly hunted down by Hance. Scott died of a single gunshot to the head.
Becky Dieter was shot several times but survived. She remains in a local hospital where she is recovering from her injuries.
Autopsy reports show six of the seven victims died from gunshot wounds to the head. Hance's neighbor, 67-year-old Russell Johnson, died from gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He was also shot twice in the buttocks.
Russell's wife, 64-year-old Gerdie Johnson, died from a single gunshot to the head. She was shot four times.
The couple's son, 44-year-old Bryan Johnson, was killed by multiple gunshot wounds to his head. He was shot five times.
Bryan's daughter, 16-year-old Autumn Johnson, died from gunshot wounds to the chest, neck, and extremities.
Autumn's friend, 16-year-old Amelia Shambaugh, died from a single gunshot wound to the head. She was also shot in the leg. The two teenagers were killed while sitting in a car in the Johnson's driveway.
51-year-old Craig Dieter, brother of Hance's girlfriend Becky, died from multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Craig's 11-year-old son Scott was reportedly hunted down by Hance. Scott died of a single gunshot to the head.
Becky Dieter was shot several times but survived. She remains in a local hospital where she is recovering from her injuries.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Man shoots and kills estranged wife and four of her family members at son's birthday party
35-year-old Tan Do was quiet during his son's birthday party at a skating rink in Grand Prairie, Texas. When his mother-in-law was preparing to leave the party Tan Do pulled out a gun and began shooting. Within minutes Tan Do had killed his estranged wife, Trini Do, 29, her sisters Michelle Ta Pham, 28 and Lynn Ta, 16, her brother Hien Ta, 21, and sister-in-law Thuy Nguyen, 25. He also wounded four more of this wife's relatives. He then killed himself.
Tan Do had no criminal record and was legally eligible to possess a gun. He did, however, have a history of domestic abuse. His wife had obtained a protection from abuse order last December, citing a pattern of physical violence and threats, including an incident last year when she said Tan Do fired shots into the ceiling after threatening to shoot her. But shortly after obtaining the order Trini Do changed her mind. She asked the court twice to dismiss the order. In March the order was withdrawn, along with the prohibition against Tan Do possessing firearms, based on Trini Do's statement that her husband had promised to change.
"I hope that I am making the right decision," Trini Do said in an affidavit.
The couples' two children, ages 10 and 3, who were both present when their father shot and killed their mother and then killed himself, are now living with Tan Do's parents.
Tan Do had no criminal record and was legally eligible to possess a gun. He did, however, have a history of domestic abuse. His wife had obtained a protection from abuse order last December, citing a pattern of physical violence and threats, including an incident last year when she said Tan Do fired shots into the ceiling after threatening to shoot her. But shortly after obtaining the order Trini Do changed her mind. She asked the court twice to dismiss the order. In March the order was withdrawn, along with the prohibition against Tan Do possessing firearms, based on Trini Do's statement that her husband had promised to change.
"I hope that I am making the right decision," Trini Do said in an affidavit.
The couples' two children, ages 10 and 3, who were both present when their father shot and killed their mother and then killed himself, are now living with Tan Do's parents.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Nevada man charged with murder after chasing, shooting at group who stole two of his solar lights
36-year-old Gregory Wallin-Reed, of Reno, Nevada, is facing eight felony counts, including murder, after he admitted to firing on a group of men during a car chase. According to reports, Wallin-Reed began to chase the six men, ages 19 and 20, after he found them outside his residence. The men fled in a car and Wallin-Reed followed them in a pickup truck. The men said Wallin-Reed was firing a gun while closely pursuing their car. One of the men reportedly removed his white t-shirt and waved it in an attempt to make Wallin-Reed stop shooting.
After being chased for about seven miles, the men turned down a side road and while trying to escape Wallin-Reed opened fired with an AR-15 assault rifle, striking the driver, 20-year-old Rory McGuire, in the head. McGuire later died of his injuries. Two other passengers in the car sustained gunshot wounds to their lower legs.
After the incident, Wallin-Reed returned home and called the police, saying that the men had stolen two solar lights from his property and that the men in the fleeing car had fired a shot at him. However, police have found no evidence that any of the men in the car were armed.
"If that was the scenario, the charges that have been filed in this case would have been entirely different," said the District Attorney. "But that scenario is not something that I have seen from the evidence."
Wallin-Reed has no prior criminal record and is reported to be a former Army Ranger. He was armed with a .380 handgun and an AR-15 assault rifle. Because the shooting occurred in California, where assault rifles are banned, he has also been charged with illegal possession of an assault weapon.
A sign at the end of Wallin-Reed's driveway reads:
WARNING
YOU ARE ENTERING THE R.O.C.
This is a restricted area. Only Red Blooded Patriotic Christian Americans Are Authorized For Access Upon Approval And Verification Of Credentials By The Commanding Authority
The Use Of Deadly Force Is Authorized For Use On Those Found In Non-Compliance With Above
After being chased for about seven miles, the men turned down a side road and while trying to escape Wallin-Reed opened fired with an AR-15 assault rifle, striking the driver, 20-year-old Rory McGuire, in the head. McGuire later died of his injuries. Two other passengers in the car sustained gunshot wounds to their lower legs.
After the incident, Wallin-Reed returned home and called the police, saying that the men had stolen two solar lights from his property and that the men in the fleeing car had fired a shot at him. However, police have found no evidence that any of the men in the car were armed.
"If that was the scenario, the charges that have been filed in this case would have been entirely different," said the District Attorney. "But that scenario is not something that I have seen from the evidence."
Wallin-Reed has no prior criminal record and is reported to be a former Army Ranger. He was armed with a .380 handgun and an AR-15 assault rifle. Because the shooting occurred in California, where assault rifles are banned, he has also been charged with illegal possession of an assault weapon.
A sign at the end of Wallin-Reed's driveway reads:
WARNING
YOU ARE ENTERING THE R.O.C.
This is a restricted area. Only Red Blooded Patriotic Christian Americans Are Authorized For Access Upon Approval And Verification Of Credentials By The Commanding Authority
The Use Of Deadly Force Is Authorized For Use On Those Found In Non-Compliance With Above
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Massachusetts man arrested for OUI had loaded gun in car
When 53-year-old Lorenzo Pimentel of Framingham, Massachusetts went to the Ashland Police station to pick up his son who had been detained, police noticed his breath smelled of booze. Pimentel failed several roadside sobriety tests and was arrested for OUI. When police searched his car they found a loaded 9mm Beretta handgun under the driver's seat. Pimentel has a valid license to carry a gun but under Massachusetts law concealed weapons permit holders can only carry a loaded gun in a car if the gun is under their direct control. Pimentel was also charged with carrying a gun while intoxicated and improper storage of a gun.
His lawyer asked that Pimentel be relased without bail, saying her client had no criminal record and has a steady job. Pimentel was released without bail but is prohibited from possessing a gun while the case is pending.
His lawyer asked that Pimentel be relased without bail, saying her client had no criminal record and has a steady job. Pimentel was released without bail but is prohibited from possessing a gun while the case is pending.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Man who shot and killed three police officers sentenced to death
On April 4, 2009, 24-year-old Richard Poplawski of Pittsburgh, PA met police officers who were responding to a complaint at his doorway. He was wearing a bulletproof vest when he shot and killed two police officers and gunned down a third who later came to their aid. Poplawski surrendered after a four-hour gun battle.
Polawski had told his friends he was concerned that his guns were going to be seized during the Obama administration. His mother told police her son had been stockpiling guns and ammunition "because he believed that as a result of economic collapse, the police were no longer able to protect society."
Poplawski was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder. During the penalty phase of the trial Poplawski's attorney argued that he should not be sentenced to death because he had no previous criminal history and he had been raised in a dysfunctional home.
The jury rejected the argument and sentenced Poplawski to death.
Polawski had told his friends he was concerned that his guns were going to be seized during the Obama administration. His mother told police her son had been stockpiling guns and ammunition "because he believed that as a result of economic collapse, the police were no longer able to protect society."
Poplawski was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder. During the penalty phase of the trial Poplawski's attorney argued that he should not be sentenced to death because he had no previous criminal history and he had been raised in a dysfunctional home.
The jury rejected the argument and sentenced Poplawski to death.
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