Stereotypes are obviously invalid but consider this scenario. An elderly man encounters a teenage driver, and a dispute erupts that leads to gunfire.
So, who was the aggressor?
In a wild Saturday morning exchange in York, South Carolina, it was the 72-year-old who was later determined to be the instigator and now faces charges. The 18-year-old? He defended himself and is in the clear.
Investigators determined the young driver drew a firearm to protect himself in road rage attack
York Police investigators believe Michael Bean, 72, reacted to a roadway skirmish by aggressively driving around the younger man and initiating the verbal disagreement. It was then that the suspect allegedly retrieved his firearm and shot at the other driver.
The 18-year-old returned fire, striking Bean in the arm. First responders transported him to a local hospital with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.
The teenager called 911 and waited nearby for authorities to arrive. He reportedly cooperated with investigators, who later determined that the young man indeed acted in self-defense.
Suspect faces several charges for violent encounter
The road forward is not so clear for Bean. He faces numerous charges stemming from the road rage incident, including attempted murder, pointing and presenting a firearm, and malicious injury to property.
The shooting’s proximity to a high school caused initial alarm, and the roadway where the frightening encounter occurred was closed for several hours.
At a time when anti-gunners are actively trying to strip Second Amendment rights away from young people under 21, this incident is a reminder that all adults should be free to defend themselves from violent criminals. Arbitrary age restrictions should not prevent law-abiding citizens from mounting an appropriate response.
Without the young man having a ready firearm, the encounter might have had a tragic ending.
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