Marine at Subway Shoots robbers

[skeeterss0]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1858239/posts

Police in Plantation, Florida, say ex-Marine within his rights to shoot armed robbers in Subway
South Florida Sun Sentinel ^ | 6/29/2007 | Akilah Johnson, Andrew Tran and Juan C. Ortega

Posted on Friday, June 29, 2007 9:11:33 AM by Happy Valley Dude

Some are calling a former U.S. Marine a hero for shooting two men — killing one — during the botched robbery of a sandwich shop in Plantation. But the men's friends and family want to know how he could gun them down and not be charged.

John Lovell had just finished dinner at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday when, Plantation police say, two men armed with guns rushed inside a Subway shop and demanded cash. After robbing the store, the men turned to Lovell. They wanted his money, police said.

But like his attackers, Lovell was armed.

The retired military man opened fire, shooting dead Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale, and critically injuring Fredrick Gadson, 21, of Fort Lauderdale.

Lovell, 71, of Plantation, has a valid concealed weapons permit and is not expected to be charged in the shooting, said police spokesman Detective Robert Rettig. Gadson, however, faces multiple felony charges that could include murder, he said. Under Florida law, anyone who commits a felony such as armed robbery resulting in a death can be held accountable for the capital offense.

"He feared for his life," Rettig said of Lovell. "And if he's in fear for his life, then he has a right to defend himself, even if it means severe bodily injury or death."

Florida law gives people the right of "self-defense without the duty to retreat." That means individuals can use deadly force virtually anywhere to prevent death or serious injury.

Lovell could not be reached for comment despite calls and visits to his home.

[Hocktl]

Prayers to Mr. Lovell and the families of all involved. I hope to god I never have to do the same. You can aplaud his efforts but he still has to live with it and I would wish that on no man. He did what he felt he had to do though.

[TeaJay]

I love that I am seeing more and more of these stories lately. Sooner or later people will start to think twice about robbing places.

[mk4]

Sooner or later people will start to think twice about robbing places.

we can hope... but as granny useta say 'there ain't no cure for stupid.'

[allingeneral]

Seems like a common theme lately - man in his 70's is attacked and lives to tell about it!

[Reverenddel]

I'm okay with the frequent "Old guy pops young punk robber" stories. I don't advocate shooting anyone, but as it's said "Some folks just need killin'."

[Riana]

Sooner or later people will start to think twice about robbing places.

we can hope... but as granny useta say 'there ain't no cure for stupid.'

There actually is a cure, it seems - about 180-230 grains of lead, apply as needed. I'm pretty sure it cured these two - one permanently.

[jdonovan]

Seems like a common theme lately - man in his 70's is attacked and lives to tell about it!

"God didn't make all men equal, Sam Colt did."

[Palladin]

5 years ago? Seriously?


I guess a clean shoot will still be clean another 5 years from now...

[cheepz]

Would Virginia law support something like this?

[FirstShotVa]

[davasmith]

Absolutely, va will support the shooter in the same scenario. The jury in a punitive damages lawsuit is who i'd be worried about. Either way, always better safe than sorry.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[WRW]

Absolutely, va will support the shooter in the same scenario. The jury in a punitive damages lawsuit is who i'd be worried about. Either way, always better safe than sorry.

I don't think that punitive damages would be awarded as they are a form of punishment for a wrong. No wrong having been done in this case, I don't see it happpening.

[VBshooter]

GodSpeed and Semper Fi John Lovell

[Riposite]

this happened back in 2007..is there a civil suit or something going on now?

[skeeterss0]

Not that I know of...a friend of mine emailed the article to me and I posted it here. I didn't notice it was that old till it was too late.

[SHMIV]

Regardless of how long ago it was, it's still a good story to tell. I really don't mind that the incident was 5 years ago.

[wylde007]

Although the date is in the OP it would be a point of courtesy to indicate the age of the article to provide proper perspective.