So, is it any wonder that armed Americans are fighting back against this alarming trend?
In southwest Atlanta on Thursday, a 17-year-old alleged carjacker was shot in the midsection and critically injured by the intended victim. The incident occurred at a Texaco gas station just after 11:30 p.m.
The suspect was at last report at Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The teenager was “wanted by law enforcement for multiple auto thefts around Atlanta,” according to local media reports. Police plan to take him into custody if and when he is discharged from the hospital.
No details were released on the driver who apparently acted in self-defense. Investigators explained the teenager may have been attempting to steal the vehicle or get into it to take items inside. The teen’s identity has also not been released by law enforcement.
The owner is believed to have fired several shots before driving away from the scene. At last report the shooter did not face charges in the incident.
Burglaries and car thefts are different types of criminal activity. They are generally carried out when the owner is not present, and while there is always the chance for an encounter, the perpetrator usually attempts to avoid detection and confrontation.
Home invasions and carjackings take violence to an entirely different level.
Carjacking is a crime on the same terrifying level as a home invasion. Both are intensely personal and there is no mistaking the life-or-death situation the innocent person is placed in. The person or persons carrying out these attacks actively seek out armed confrontation, often with deadly results.
It is very unlikely the Atlanta driver will face charges. The suspect was already wanted by police for several other incidents, but tragically, in this last circumstance they chose the wrong target.
