GUNS IN THE NEWS--June 7, 2004

[MrBenchley]

As CO Liberal sez:
Please try to adhere to the following voluntary guidelines, in order that we can have an orderly discussion of gun-related news topics:
1 - Feel free to add any CURRENT stories to this thread by replying to this message. In order to be considered current, stories should have been originally posted on the Internet within the previous 24 hours, or provide follow-up to a story that was previously posted on the J/PS board. On Mondays (since many people do not log in to DU over the weekend), stories can be posted from Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
2 - Both pro-gun and anti-gun stories, editorials, and press releases are welcome in this thread, as long as they're current. Please do not post links to items from a few years back that support your position.
3 - Bear in mind that any links to extremely right-wing sites (such as Newsmax, CNS, or the Washington Times) or intentionally pro-gun or pro-control sites (such as the NRA or the Brady Campaign) are not considered reliable sources by many DU-ers. If at all possible, try to find a link for your story from a more mainstream source, such as a general-circulation newspaper or magazine site. If you choose to use a slanted site, be prepared for any negative feedback you may receive.
4 - Do not change story titles. In other words, if the Oskosh Gazette's web site runs a story titled "Two Killed in Holdup", the title of your message should read "Two Killed in Holdup". Don't change it to "Gun Owner Kills Two People", or anything else that changes the meaning of the story.
5 - If it's not clear from the title where the story occurred, add the city, state, or country in parentheses after the title.
6 - The person adding a news story to the "GITN" thread is allowed (and encouraged) to comment on that story, indicating their position on the topic being discussed. These comments can appear either at the beginning or end of the post; if possible, place comments in a different typeface so readers can separate the comments from the story. Others who wish to comment on a posted story can do so by replying to that story; this allows other readers to follow the comments by scrolling through the subthread.
7 - Please direct your comments to the story, rather than attacking the person posting the story or any person responding to the story. In accordance with DU rules, any message that appears to be a personal attack against another DU-er or a violation of any other DU rule will be reported to the moderators.
8 - If you object to these guidelines, do everyone else a favor and go to another thread.

[NorthernSpy]

1. 'Dozer rampage driver found dead (Granby, CO)

(Sorry to go on so about this story. It's just that I'm kind of fascinated by the whole thing.)


Gunfire spatters evacuated mountain town

By Kieran Nicholson, Alicia Caldwell and Steve Lipsher
Denver Post Staff Writers

Granby, 11:30 a.m. - A muffler shop owner who plowed his makeshift armored bulldozer into several buildings over a dispute with city officials was found dead in the machine this morning after a SWAT team gained access with explosives, authorities said.

Police said he died from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They found several guns inside, and a closed circuit TV so he could see outside the bulldozer. This morning authorities are taking his body out of the bulldozer with a crane because he may have booby trapped himself.

Heemeyer went on a rampage Friday, crashing his fortified bulldozer into several downtown businesses and government buildings, including the town hall and library.

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E2193848,00.html

[MrBenchley]

3. Geee-zus!

"It had a .50-caliber gun on the front and two smaller-caliber semi-automatic weapons, one on each side, protruding through portals."

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E23827%257E2195600,00.html

That's one of those guns we keep being told by "enthusiasts" NEVER get used in crime and present no menace to the general public....

And did you see THIS on the side?

"Friday's images of a man plowing through Granby businesses with a bulldozer were oddly similar to an incident that happened six years ago in a smaller Colorado mountain town.
Residents of Alma, in Park County southwest of Denver, are still rattled over what caused town native Thomas Leask to go on a deadly bulldozer rampage in February 1998.
Unlike the rampage in Granby, Leask claimed a victim.
He shot a former mayor of Alma, Willie Morrison, to death and plowed into the town hall, fire station, post office and water-treatment facility, claiming he was following God's orders."

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E53%257E2195570,00.html

[LibLabUK]

5. Hmm

""We rode our bikes to the cement plant, and some of the employees told me and my dad that they tried to fire their guns at him, but their bullets bounced off," Brenner said."

What were they aiming at?

[NorthernSpy]

6. yeah

Reportedly, tank master Marvin shot his .50 cal at some big propane cylinders, but was presumably disappointed when none of them blew up as planned. On the other hand, a private citizen lent his own .50 to police, who tried to pierce the armor with it. That didn't work either, though, because our Marv had spared no expense: the bulldozer weighed something like 60 tons to begin with, and he'd stuck about 15 tons of concrete-filled steel plate on top that.

So I guess the .50 calibre involvement was kind of a wash.

It's amazing that nobody got squished. Heemeyer plowed the bulldozer into the townhall during children's story hour.

As for that Leask fellow, I read that he's still in the psychiatric ward somewhere. I guess they won't let him go out and play with the big yellow machines anymore. :(


Mary

[CO Liberal]

7. This Guy Is Typical...

...of the very vocal gun-rights folks I have to deal with here in the Centennial State.

[OpSomBlood]

8. If guns were illegal, this guy would have never built himself a tank.

Makes sense to me.

[MrBenchley]

2. LAPD Cases Depicted at Museum

"LOS ANGELES - The sight of two life-sized mannequins toting machine guns and wearing bloodstained body armor has brought gasps from kids and tears from tough cops.
The figures at the Los Angeles Police Department Museum depict the two heavily armed bank robbers who fired thousands of shots before being killed by officers during a North Hollywood shootout in 1997.
The televised gun battle was a historic event for the LAPD, which soon began issuing automatic weapons to officers to keep them from being outgunned.
It quickly joined the list of other sensational LAPD cases that have captured the attention of the nation and are now being depicted at the museum. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040607/ap_on_re_us/lapd_museum_2

[MrBenchley]

4. Woman Found Shot To Death In Apartment (OH)

"A woman was shot and killed in a local apartment Sunday night.
The shooting happened just after 9:30 p.m. in an apartment on East Thirteenth Street in Pendleton, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported.
The woman was identified as Maria Cole-Johnson, 28. It is not known if she lived in the apartment.
Cole-Johnson is the city's 33rd homicide of the year. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040607/lo_wlwt/2236966

[CO Liberal]

9. Child killed in Riverdale shooting (GA)

Another innocent child sacrificed to our nation's insatiable gun lust. - Wayne

* * * * *

Child killed in Riverdale shooting

The Associated Press - RIVERDALE, Ga.

A 4-year-old boy has been killed in a shooting at a recreation center in Riverdale.

The victim, whose name was not immediately released, was hit Sunday night by an unknown shooter during a fight between two groups of people at Riverdale Park.

Riverdale police did not have any suspects and do not believe the child was the intended target. The boy apparently was in the wrong place at the wrong time, police said.

<more>

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=39655

[Romulus]

33. I still want to know

how banning civilian firearms sales will prevent gang member from getting guns. :shrug:

[FeebMaster]

36. Gang members are civilians.

So if civilian firearms sales are banned they won't be able to buy them of course.

[CO Liberal]

42. And I Want To Know....

...where you got the information this was a gang-related incident. The article talks about two "groups of people", NOT "two gangs".

:shrug:

[CO Liberal]

10. Police eye La. man in shooting of 22-year-old (MS)

And even more people die. - Wayne

* * * * *

Police eye La. man in shooting of 22-year-old

The Associated Press

Mississippi officials are working to extradite a Louisiana man they believe was involved in a shooting that killed a 22-year-old Magnolia man and injured two others.

Officers in Kenner, La., arrested 30-year-old Richard Booze in connection with the shooting that killed Roderick Dillon on Friday night. Booze is being held on a charge of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

Police Chief Ray Reynolds said Dillon died at the scene of the shooting. Laura Patterson and Bobby Gordon, ages unknown, were treated in area hospitals for gunshot wounds.

<more>

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040607/NEWS01/406070326/1002

[CO Liberal]

11. Police search for suspect in fatal shooting of Sterling Heights officer

And I'm sure that there are some pro-gunners out there who will look on this as a "defensive" use of guns, since a police officer was the victim.... - Wayne

* * * * *

Police search for suspect in fatal shooting of Sterling Heights officer

The Associated Press
6/7/2004, 6:39 a.m. ET


STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (AP) — Investigators continued to search for a suspect in the slaying of a city police officer, who was found shot inside his cruiser in a shopping center parking lot in what was described as an execution-style killing.

Officer Mark Sawyers, 30, of Warren, died Saturday after being found shot on Friday evening outside the Target Center in this Detroit suburb. Police said a man fired a shotgun at him from another vehicle, then took Sawyers' gun and fled.

It was still daylight at the time of the shooting. Police said Sawyers had just finished responding to a traffic accident and stopped to complete paperwork, but investigators said the shooting didn't appear to be linked to the accident.

Police had identified a 33-year-old suspect — a man in a 1994 red Chevrolet Camaro.

<more>

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/news-15/108660536462950.xml

[CO Liberal]

12. Man Hospitalized After Apparent Shooting (OH)

Hmmm, Ohio ... isn't that they place where only "law-abiding gun owners" live??? :shrug: - Wayne

* * * * *

Man Hospitalized After Apparent Shooting

POSTED: 9:03 am EDT June 7, 2004
UPDATED: 9:13 am EDT June 7, 2004

DAYTON, Ohio -- Dayton police are searching for the person responsible for allegedly shooting a man who was found Sunday afternoon in a grocery store parking lot.

Officers believe the man was shot in the back of the head. Investigators said two women saw the man collapse in the parking lot and called for help. The victim was taken to a local hospital.

<more>

http://www.whiotv.com/news/3389649/detail.html

[MrBenchley]

13. Morganton man killed trying to break up fight (NC)

"A Morganton man was shot and killed Saturday after he attempted to break up a fight between two people in his yard. Donnie Ray Harlan of 213 Believers Way was found at the scene with one gunshot wound to the chest, according to Morganton police.
Investigators said Harlan was telling Derian Clementis Surratt and Amanda Shea Mitchell to leave his property when the shooting occurred at about 6 p.m."

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/8857912.htm

[MrBenchley]

14. 16-year-old killed in shooting (OR)

"PORTLAND - Portland Police are looking for suspects in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy in North Portland Sunday night.
Officers were called to an area near North Victory Boulevard and North Expo Road about 5:30 p.m to find a 16-year-old Hispanic male in a car, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  "

http://www.kptv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1921418

[MrBenchley]

15. Gunman arrest shuts down city streets (FL)

"DELAND -- Police closed down a busy intersection in the center of the city late Sunday afternoon, causing detours onto side streets while the officers arrested a man for brandishing a handgun.
One block on all four sides of the New York Avenue-Woodland Boulevard intersection were closed to traffic about 5:10 p.m. New York Avenue was reopened a short while later, and Woodland Boulevard was reopened just before 6 p.m.
Shannon Thomas Whistler, 33, DeLand, is charged with improper exhibition of a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm, according to Sgt. Rick Gaylord."

http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/03WVolWEST05N060704.htm

Wonder how many thousands this idiot cost taxpayers?

[MrBenchley]

16. Optometrist says he has no idea why fellow doctor shot him (CT)

"SEYMOUR, Conn. -- An optometrist who survived a shooting in his Seymour office Friday says he has no idea why a fellow eye doctor opened fire on him.
Dr. George Tzepos, 37, spoke to the Connecticut Post Sunday from his bed at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was reported in fair condition. He said expects to make a full recovery after two bullets grazed his head and another hit his hand.
Dr. Dennis Kissel, 60, who had a practice in Oxford, was shot to death by Seymour police officer Patrick Giglio, 59, in what is believed to be the first time Seymour police have used deadly force. Giglio is assigned to administrative duties pending a state police investigation."


http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2004/06/07/optometrist_says_he_has_no_idea_why_fellow_doctor_shot_him/

[MrBenchley]

17. Armed Man Sought As Family Plans Officer's Funeral (MI)

"A 33-year-old man -- believed to be armed and dangerous -- is the focus of a police investigation into the shooting death of a Sterling Heights police officer.
Timothy William Berner is accused of shooting Officer Mark Sawyer as he sat in his police cruiser in the parking lot of the Target store at 15 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue Friday night. Sawyer was taken to St. John's Hospital Macomb where he died Saturday morning, according to city officials.
Witnesses said Berner fired a shotgun at Sawyer from another vehicle, then took the officer's gun and fled the scene.
Police searched a Clinton Township trailer park Saturday, which was Berner's last-known address, Local 4 reported. Residents were on lockdown as police blew out the front door to the home on Park Drive in the Silver Springs community. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/wdiv/20040607/lo_wdiv/2237111

[CO Liberal]

22. This One Is Related to My Post #11

I just didn't have space to include the state, because the article's title was so long.

[MrBenchley]

23. A real shame...a brave officer killed

because we let a corrupt industry set public policy.

[OpSomBlood]

24. The officer was killed because a person broke the law.

Learn the difference.

[CO Liberal]

26. Broke the law WITH A GUN

We're aware of the difference.

[MrBenchley]

27. A gun he could get in most states

at any gun show without a background check, thanks to the gun lobby....

[OpSomBlood]

32. Keep spreading the "gun show" lie.

A person can purchase a gun privately anywhere. Whether it is done at a gun show has nothing to do with the show itself.

But keep saying those VPC catchphrases...throw enough at the wall and one's bound to stick.

[MrBenchley]

34. It's not a lie, op....

But go ahead and keep spreading gun nut propaganda about it.

[MrBenchley]

18. Solon Police On Lookout For Alleged Coed's Killer (OH)

"SOLON, Ohio -- A quiet, tight-knit Solon neighborhood is mourning the loss of Christen Naujoks, a Solon native, who lived in a house on Ridge Lane, NewsChannel5 reported.
"I still have a knot in my stomach, said Ken Click, a family friend. "I feel so bad for them. She was a special child. They're special people."
Police are looking for Naujoks' ex-boyfriend, John Peck, 28. He is accused of shooting the University of North Carolina student with an assault rifle outside her apartment in Wilmington Friday night."

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3389443/detail.html

[MrBenchley]

19. Trial in alleged border assault to begin (TX)

The latest from the ugly bunch at "Ranch Rescue"....

"HEBBRONVILLE, Texas - Jury selection begins today in the trial of a Douglas, Ariz. man accused of pistol-whipping a Salvadoran who tried to cross ranchland here.
Casey Nethercott, 35, formerly of the armed citizens patrol group Ranch Rescue, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, unlawful detention and unlawful possession of a weapon.
In March, prosecutors said, Fatima Leiva and Edwin Mancia were crossing the ranch when Nethercott's dog attacked them and Nethercott hit Mancia with the back of a handgun. "

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/index.php?page=local&story_id=060704a5_ranchrescue_brf

[MrBenchley]

20. Westside man hurt in shooting (IN)

"A Westside man was hospitalized today after being shot during what police determined to be a shooting motivated by a fight over a parking space.
Rodney Robertson, 25, of the 900 block of West 32nd Street, was shot around 2:08 a.m. on a road next to the parking lot of the USA Roller Skating Centers facility in the 3900 block of North Glen Arm Road, according to an Indianapolis police report. He was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital. His condition was not immediately available.
Robertson sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper part of his body, said IPD Detective Jerry K. Pullings.
Witnesses told WTHR-Channel 13, the Star's newsgathering partner, that Robertson had exchanged gunfire with an unidentified man. That man's name was not available."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/153018-2498-093.html

[MrBenchley]

21. Shooting Suspect Arrested (NB)

"OMAHA, Neb. -- A shooting suspect was arrested Saturday.
Wayne Preister had a warrant out for his arrest in the Wednesday shooting of Raul Shaw. Shaw and some friends apparently exchanged words with Preister outside a Council Bluffs, Iowa, nightclub. Shaw was shot as he drove back into Nebraska along Interstate 480."

http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/3389731/detail.html

[Sean Reynolds]

25. Shooting shakes 'heart of the city' (SLC, UT)

Seven riders were finding their steeds on the merry-go-round, groups of families and friends were laying out picnic dinners, and Clark Clements was transitioning into the second verse of a love ballad on his guitar.
Two shots were fired. A short pause, then a third. And a pleasant afternoon at Liberty Park turned chaotic.
Two juvenile boys were arrested Sunday afternoon blocks away from the park, where an 18-year-old man was shot once in the lower back as scores of witnesses looked on. Police reported that gang activity played a role in the shooting.

http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jun/06072004/utah/173368.asp

[MrBenchley]

28. Man Recovers After Riverside Shooting (FL)

"A man is recovering after being shot in Riverside early Monday morning. Jacksonville police say the shooting occurred at the Gate gas station on Stockton Street off Interstate 10. According to witnesses, a heated argument between two men ended in gunfire. The victim then reportedly drove himself to northwest Jacksonville, where police found him in a parking lot. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040607/lo_wjxt/2237421

[MrBenchley]

29. Forrest County lawmen make arrest in shooting death (MS)

"RAWLS SPRINGS, Miss. - Forrest County lawmen say they have arrested a suspect in the shooting death of 32-year-old Patrick Anderson.
Chief Deputy Charles Bolton said Jonah Pinkney, 17, was arrested Sunday. Bolton said Pinkney was being held Monday in the Forrest County Jail and formal charges are pending.
Bolton said arrest warrants have been issued for three other men in connection with the shooting last Tuesday night."

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/8861701.htm

[MrBenchley]

30. Man's Ear Shot Off (MO)

"A man's ear was shot off early Monday morning, now police are investigating.
Officers were called to the 2400 block of Van Brunt around 12:30 a.m. Police said that the shooting happened in an apartment and that the man ran across the street for help. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040607/lo_kmbc/2237125

If only that ear had its own gun....

[CO Liberal]

31. The Police Asked Him Who Shot Off His Ear

He said "What???"

:-)

[MrBenchley]

35. LOL!

[TX-RAT]

39. Was his name Festus

[CO Liberal]

40. Or Van Gogh???

:shrug:

[MrBenchley]

37. Man shot to death, fiancee wounded (NV)

"A botched drug deal left a Las Vegas man dead and his fiancee in critical condition with a gunshot wound early this morning, according to Metro Police.
Investigators at the scene said the couple were confronted by men believed to be gang members while attempting to buy drugs at the City Place Apartments, 3150 S. Decatur Blvd., about midnight. The two may have argued with the men about gang-related matters before the shooting, officers said.
Metro officers found Derek Wingard, 40, of Las Vegas shot at the scene. He died about 3:40 a.m., according to the Clark County coroner's office. His 35-year-old fiancee was taken to University Medical Center and underwent surgery this morning."

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/lv-other/2004/jun/07/516978223.html

[MrBenchley]

38. Gun Owner Pleads Guilty in 3-year-old's Death (KY)

"A Georgetown man has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide in the death of his 3-year-old cousin, who shot himself with a gun the man owned.
Raymond Burnett, 20, could face up to 3½ years in prison for the New Year's Eve 2002 shooting of Jaryon Mathis. 
Jaryon was found with a self-inflicted, accidental gunshot wound to the chest and died a few hours later. Burnett owned the .22-caliber pistol that Jaryon found."

http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=1920120

[MrBenchley]

41. More arrests in rash of armed robberies in southern N.H.

"EXETER — Additional arrests are expected in connection with a rash of armed robberies in southern New Hampshire, one of which took place locally in March, on Franklin Street, according to state police.
The State Police SWAT team took William J. Maurier, 23, of Fremont into custody April 8 at his residence in connection with the Franklin Street incident, during which he had allegedly possessed a handgun, said New Hampshire State Police Detective Jill Rockey.
Maurier is charged with two counts of being a career criminal in possession of a firearm.
Additional charges, including federal ones, may be forthcoming."

http://www.fosters.com/june_2004/june_07_04/news/ex_0607d.asp

[MrBenchley]

43. 1 arrested after abduction, rape (PA)

"One suspect has been caught and three more are being sought in connection with the kidnapping and rape of a teen overnight.
The 15-year-old victim reported she was at Adelaide and Camp streets in the Hill District around 10 p.m. when she was forced at gunpoint to get into a car with four males. She was taken to a remote wooded area where she was raped and sexually assaulted by all four.
She was released but threatened with harm to herself and her family if she reported the attack.
Officers spotted men and a car matching the description at a gas station on Centre Avenue. When one of the men, identified as Dale Jackson, 18, noticed police, he began to run, throwing aside a gun as he did, police said."

http://www.post-gazette.com/breaking/20040607rapep6.asp

[MrBenchley]

44. More John Lott Nonsense

"Tim Lambert is still on Lott watch, citing and debunking the trickle of bullshit that those still gullible enough to believe in Lott's junk science will publish. The latest is, not surprisingly, from Fox News.
I guess we should take it as progress that only a few wingnut gun freaks (you know, the kind that superimpose range targets over photos of human beings)have linked the story in a positive light... So far..."

http://www.aintnobaddude.com/2004_05_23_aintnobaddude_archive.html#108543533866899192