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Gun Owner Fatally Shoots An Armed Robber Who Killed His Friend in a Circle K Store

A bystander shot and killed an armed robber who shot and killed an innocent customer during an attempted robbery at Indian School Road and 82nd Street in Scottsdale, Arizona. The incident began when the criminal opened fire at a Circle K store clerk who fled without any injuries.


The late 35-year old customer, Joseph Toki, walked into the store and was shot dead the 38-year-old robber, Robert Blackwater.


While fleeing the scene, Blackwater opened fire, striking an armed citizen who was alighting from his car. The victim managed to return fire, killing Blackwater on the scene. Both victims went shopping together and traveled the same vehicle.


Police said the criminal was responsible for other robbers in the area. The officers also arrested Blackwater’s accomplice, who was waiting in a getaway vehicle. The 32-year old Bryan Christopher Lee Washington tried to escape on foot but was apprehended and will face First Degree murder and armed robbery charges.


Arizona is one of the states with open carry laws and has a high number of armed citizens. However, Circle K has a “no firearms allowed” policy. Likely, the armed citizen remained behind because he could not take his firearm into the store.


In 2017, Circle K fired a clerk, Jennifer Wertz, after she used a gun to defend herself against an armed robber. The single mother carried a concealed firearm against the company’s policy and used it to defend herself against an armed attacker. Thankfully, she did not face any charges and managed to save her life.


Both incidents prove that banning firearms does not prevent criminals from bringing theirs. It only assures them of an easy target where the victims cannot defend themselves.


The latest incident could have been avoided if customers and employees were allowed to bring their firearms into the store. Having guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens would dissuade criminals from trying to rob the establishment. Unfortunately, many establishments still believe in gun control propaganda and continue to put the lives of their customers at risk.

 

Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.

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