I’m sure you’ve all heard about the Idaho woman/concealed carry permit holder who was shopping at Wal-mart when her toddler reached into her purse and shot her. She died on the scene. A tragic story, and also completely preventable.
But as more ordinary citizens come into daily contact with firearms, the statistical likelihood of such incidents occurring increases. Just as more people driving cars increases the likelihood of more car accidents, we’ll be seeing more gun accidents, fatal and otherwise. So yes, stories like this reinforce my decision to stay away from places like Kroger, Wal-mart, etc. which allow guns on their premises. Because crime is going down, folks; it’s actually less necessary to be armed everywhere. Unless, of course, you’re in the gun selling business.
Below is some Tennessee gun news from the past week. And watch for a “Best Of Tennessee Gun FAIL” post coming later today ….
• December 31, 2014:
1- A Maryville Wal-mart makes the gun report after an irate shopper pulled a gun on a fellow shopper following a minor argument in housewares:
The 33-year-old man told police that he became embroiled in an argument with another patron near the general merchandise entrance of the store.
He described the person with whom he quarreled as “a short blond woman with a tattoo somewhere on the left side of her body.” He said the woman accused him of intentionally bumping into one of her daughters.
[…]
Upon departing the store, the trio were approached by the tattooed woman once again. This time, she drove up in a black Toyota RG4 SUV (license plate: M75 82B), according to reports, and brandished a handgun in the direction of her perceived nemeses.
Witnesses said the woman yelled at the threesome as she wielded the gun, “I don’t call the cops; I take care of my own problems!” And with that, she drove away, reports said.
Brilliant! Let me add, Wal-mart has an alarming number of gun incidents. Perhaps that is also a statistical thing, as it’s the nation’s number one retailer. Regardless, I think I’ll continue to stay away.
2- A Nashville man standing on his front porch was accidentally shot by a stray bullet fired when two men in the front yard got into an argument.
3- Someone stole a Glock from the nightstand of a home in Greeneville. Because gun safes are just too hard.
• December 27, 2014:
In Chattanooga, a woman wearing body armor drove around town shooting at people. As more than one observer noted, police were able to apprehend the woman, who is white, without shooting and killing her. Many wonder if the outcome would have been the same had this person been a person of color. Thinking …
• December 26, 2014:
Wild, wild west, y’all: someone started shooting at Jazzy’s Restaurant in Nashville, and a security guard returned fire.
Honestly, it’s getting so where you don’t even want to leave the house.
• December 25, 2014:
Parsons is the general manager of the Johnson City Cardinals minor league babseball team. Hilarious.
• December 24, 2014:
Drinkin’ and reminiscin’ and — pow! — accidental shootin’ in Johnson City:
JCPD officers were told 43-year-old John Upshaw and his neighbor were drinking and reminiscing about their military service when Upshaw began handling a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol owned by the victim, who was not named in a press release.
While considering purchasing the gun, it discharged in Upshaw’s hands, striking the victim in the right foot.
• December 23, 2014:
A Nashville man, upset that a cheeseburger was missing from his McDonald’s order, brandished a gun in the restaurant demanding not only his cheeseburger but also new French fries and soft drinks. Why? Because he had a gun, and he doesn’t need to answer your fucking questions!
