Pizza shop owner fights back, robber killed

April 2, 10:51 AMCleveland Gun Rights ExaminerDaniel White

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Your Pizza Shop of Akron was the scene of a self-defense shooting late Tuesday night.

According to police, 20 year old Akron resident Patrick Finney came into the pizza shop wearing a ski mask and carrying a shotgun intending to commit armed robbery.

John Hayes, owner of the shop, obliged by giving him a stack of $10 bills. Finney wasn't satisfied and pointed his shotgun right at Hayes' head, demanding more money. The ensuing battle was chronicled on Ohio.com.

''As soon as I gave him the money, I pulled my gun out from my hip, pointed it and fired four shots,'' Hayes said.

Finney fell to the floor, then stood back up. Hayes fired three more shots from his Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol. Finney staggered outside and collapsed across the street. The cash he sought was dropped outside.

Hayes then called 911.

This was the fourth robbery of this establishment in the last two years. At this time, police are not planning to press charges against Hayes, who does have a concealed handgun license. I suspect there would be community outrage if they did. Hayes did everything he could to appease this violent criminal, but he cannot be expected to forfeit his life as well.

Yesterday, Texas news website Star-Telegram.com ran an articled entitled, FIREARMS: Concealed carry opposition is irrational. The article is about paranoid reactions to efforts to return more rights to law-abiding Texans who choose to carry a firearm for self defense. Of course, in light of my current trip, the subject matter rings true for me as well.

Later today, I will cross out of Wyoming and enter a stretch that includes Nebraska and Iowa. Both of these states have concealed handgun licensing programs for residents, but do not offer nonresident licenses and do not honor any other state's permit. Am I really that big of a threat to public safety because I happen to live in another state? Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Indiana trust me to obey the laws, but Nebraska and Iowa do not. I find that offensive, I think I'll call the ACLU. And don't get me started on Illinois, they don't even trust their own residents!