In a tense and dangerous situation, Armed Good Guys Halt Alleged Sports Bar Attacker after an intoxicated patron returned with a weapon and opened fire on the establishment. Late Tuesday night, patrons of an Arizona sports bar received much more than dozens of TVs blaring every conceivable sport and frosty tap beer. Thanks to two lawfully armed citizens, what could have turned into a mass tragedy was swiftly brought under control.
Disgruntled Patron Escalates to Gunfire Outside Peoria Bar
The chaos unfolded at the Deli Sports Bar in Peoria, Arizona. What started as a routine removal of an unruly customer quickly spiraled into a life-threatening incident. According to Peoria Police, the individual in question—identified as 46-year-old Mario Franco of El Mirage—was heavily intoxicated and refused to leave the bar when asked by staff.
A bar employee attempted to de-escalate the situation by calling 911. However, this only seemed to escalate Franco’s aggression. After storming out of the establishment, police say Franco retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and returned to the bar’s exterior, where he began firing recklessly into the air—and more concerningly—into the venue itself.
At least one round struck an innocent patron inside the bar, wounding them in the leg. Thankfully, the injury was not life-threatening, and the individual was treated and released at a local hospital.
Lawfully Armed Citizens Respond in Seconds
While panic could have easily consumed the moment, two individuals seated nearby on a park bench quickly intervened. Both were carrying firearms legally and reportedly took action only after Franco pointed his weapon in their direction. According to the police report, one of the armed citizens fired a single shot that struck Franco in the chest, ending the threat on the spot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The quick-thinking armed citizens were detained for questioning, as is standard protocol in cases involving the use of deadly force. However, after reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage, authorities determined that the shooting was an act of self-defense and the men were released without charges.
Peoria Police praised the actions of the civilians, citing their preparedness, legal firearm ownership, and willingness to respond under pressure. Authorities emphasized that their intervention likely prevented further injury or loss of life, given the suspect’s unpredictable behavior and open gunfire into a crowded establishment.
This incident underscores the critical role that armed, responsible citizens can play in defending their communities. As active shooter incidents become more frequent, stories like this serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of situational awareness, lawful firearm ownership, and the bravery to act when lives are on the line.
While no one goes to a sports bar expecting to face gunfire, the events of that night make one thing clear: when danger showed up uninvited, the good guys with guns didn’t hesitate to protect the innocent.
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