GUNS IN THE NEWS--March 29, 2004

[MrBenchley]

As CO Liberal sez:
Please try to adhere to the following voluntary guidelines, in order that we can have an orderly discussion of gun-related news topics:
1 - Feel free to add any CURRENT stories to this thread by replying to this message. In order to be considered current, stories should have been originally posted on the Internet within the previous 24 hours, or provide follow-up to a story that was previously posted on the J/PS board. On Mondays (since many people do not log in to DU over the weekend), stories can be posted from Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
2 - Both pro-gun and anti-gun stories, editorials, and press releases are welcome in this thread, as long as they're current. Please do not post links to items from a few years back that support your position.
3 - Bear in mind that any links to extremely right-wing sites (such as Newsmax, CNS, or the Washington Times) or intentionally pro-gun or pro-control sites (such as the NRA or the Brady Campaign) are not considered reliable sources by many DU-ers. If at all possible, try to find a link for your story from a more mainstream source, such as a general-circulation newspaper or magazine site. If you choose to use a slanted site, be prepared for any negative feedback you may receive.
4 - Do not change story titles. In other words, if the Oskosh Gazette's web site runs a story titled "Two Killed in Holdup", the title of your message should read "Two Killed in Holdup". Don't change it to "Gun Owner Kills Two People", or anything else that changes the meaning of the story.
5 - If it's not clear from the title where the story occurred, add the city, state, or country in parentheses after the title.
6 - The person adding a news story to the "GITN" thread is allowed (and encouraged) to comment on that story, indicating their position on the topic being discussed. These comments can appear either at the beginning or end of the post; if possible, place comments in a different typeface so readers can separate the comments from the story. Others who wish to comment on a posted story can do so by replying to that story; this allows other readers to follow the comments by scrolling through the subthread.
7 - Please direct your comments to the story, rather than attacking the person posting the story or any person responding to the story. In accordance with DU rules, any message that appears to be a personal attack against another DU-er or a violation of any other DU rule will be reported to the moderators.
8 - If you object to these guidelines, do everyone else a favor and go to another thread.

[MrBenchley]

1. TV actor shot in row with dad (NY)

"Vincent Ford Jr., 42, who had a recurring role on the "Drew Carey Show," was eating lunch when his 81-year-old father opened fire at 1:15 p.m. in the family's South Jamaica home, police said.
Cops said the older Ford, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, quarreled with his son over how to cope with the worsening condition of his cancer-stricken wife, Sally.
"The dad was sick, he's old," said neighbor Russell Reed, 47. "He was old, and old-timers snap."
The son - who has appeared in several movies and numerous TV shows under the stage name Keith Diamond - was struck three times in the chest and jaw. He lay alone and bandaged in a recovery room at Mary Immaculate Hospital last night, heavily sedated and breathing through a tube."

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/178395p-155082c.html

[MrBenchley]

2. Man shot as he opens front door (CO)

"A Lakewood man was shot early Sunday as he opened the door to his apartment, according to police.
The 22-year-old man was shot in the upper body by a person standing near the doorway.
An unidentified friend called police at about 2 a.m. Police and medical personnel arrived shortly after and took the victim to an area hospital.
Police and Jefferson County sheriff's deputies who responded had not identified a suspect by Sunday afternoon. However, authorities said they believe the shooting was not random."

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2048284,00.html

[MrBenchley]

3. Police identify man shot, wounded by officer (IN)

"Folsom apparently was intoxicated and waving a handgun around when he ignored Spivey's order to drop the weapon, police said. He is undergoing treatment at Wishard Memorial Hospital."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/6/133446-5326-009.html

[MrBenchley]

4. Shooting at club leaves 1 dead, 4 others injured (IN)

"One man died and four people were hurt after gunfire erupted inside a Near-Northside after-hours club early Sunday, Indianapolis Police said.
Homicide investigators identified the dead man as Randall Pettway, 22, 7200 block of Township Line Road.
Pettway was shot in the head and died at the club, said Indianapolis Police Sgt. Steve Staletovich. At least 200 people were inside when an argument apparently broke out between patrons at about 5 a.m.
Police could not say whether anyone shot was involved in the argument, and they have yet to identify a suspect."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/133458-9577-009.html

[MrBenchley]

5. Police fatally shoot man after standoff (IN)

"ROLLING PRAIRIE, Ind. -- A man who family members said was depressed because he had been accused of child molestation and lost his job was fatally shot by police officers after pointing a gun at them.
Keith Stratton, 40, was hit once in the head by police gunfire after he walked out of his grandparent's home early Friday following a two-hour standoff, LaPorte County Sheriff James Arnold said. Stratton died Friday night at LaPorte Hospital after family members agreed to have him removed from life support.
Arnold said Stratton's family called police Thursday, saying he was suicidal and wanted to be shot by police."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/2/133454-9782-009.html

[MrBenchley]

6. Young boy faces charges for bringing handgun to school (OH)

"CLEVELAND -- A 13-year-old boy faces charges for bringing a handgun to school.
Police say he showed up with the weapon at the International Preparatory School on Shaker Boulevard."

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=17488

[MrBenchley]

7. One Killed and Four Wounded at Mich. Club

"SAGINAW, Mich. - A man was killed and four others were wounded in a shooting at a nightclub early Sunday. Two suspects were in custody and a handgun had been taken into evidence, but police said they are still investigating what triggered the shooting at the Captain Cove's nightclub.
Daniel Michael Abraham, 27, of Saginaw died in the shooting at about 12:45 a.m., said Saginaw police Officer Amanda Silvernaile. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040328/ap_on_re_us/nightclub_shooting_1

[CO Liberal]

8. Driver hurt in Springs shooting (CO)

"An armed society is a polite society." - NOT!!!! - Wayne

* * * * *

Driver hurt in Springs shooting

By George Merritt
Denver Post Staff Writer

Police are searching for a suspect and motive in the shooting early Sunday of a driver in Colorado Springs.

The wounded driver was heading east on Garden of the Gods Road with a passenger. The driver was shot once and veered off the road into the Hungry Farmer restaurant.

Emergency crews took the driver to Penrose Hospital in critical condition.

The passenger was also admitted for injuries suffered in the crash.

<more>

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2048250,00.html

[CO Liberal]

9. Mindworks: Kids' views on guns (MN)

There's hope for us all through the next generation. Underlining emphasis is mine. - Wayne

* * * * *

Mindworks: Kids' views on guns

Maria Elena Baca, Star Tribune

March 28, 2004 GUNVAR

Last September, Mindworks asked students for their opinions about the conceal and carry law. Less than two weeks after students mailed in their responses, Jason McLaughlin, a 15-year-old student at Rocori High School in Cold Spring, Minn., allegedly shot and killed two fellow students, Aaron Rollins and Seth Bartell.

McLaughlin's case has not been linked to the law adopted last spring. Still, respecting the rawness of the grief in Cold Spring and statewide at the time, that installment of Mindworks was postponed with a promise that the student essays would be published later. We are doing so with this special edition of Mindworks.

<snip>

We received 1,937 essays. Of those, a sizable majority wrote that allowing people to carry guns -- even those who carried a legal permit -- sounded like dangerous business. A smaller but equally thoughtful group wrote that guns, used responsibly by responsible people, might just keep all of us safer. A few espoused both points of view.

The essays broke down to 25 percent in favor of the law (allowing concelaed carry), 69 percent opposed to the law and to guns in general, and 6 percent in the middle.


<more>

http://www.startribune.com/stories/401/4677922.html

[slackmaster]

11. There's a nice understatement to start the day

"McLaughlin's case has not been linked to the law adopted last spring."

I'm PRETTY sure the state of Minnesota doesn't issue concealed handgun licenses to 15-YEAR-OLDs.

:argh:

[MrSandman]

29. Or enfranchisement...

"The essays broke down to 25 percent in favor of the law (allowing concelaed carry), 69 percent opposed to the law and to guns in general, and 6 percent in the middle."

[CO Liberal]

10. Toddler Shot While Baby Sitter Reportedly Checks Gun (MI)

Another senseless death, thanks to a gun. - Wayne

* * * * *

Toddler Shot While Baby Sitter Reportedly Checks Gun

Police Call Incident 'Careless'

POSTED: 9:30 a.m. EST March 29, 2004

DETROIT -- A baby sitter watching a 1-year-old girl tells police the toddler's shooting death was an accident.
Video

Dai'Janell Clark was at the woman's home when she was shot Sunday morning, Michigan TV station WDIV reported. Dai'Janell and her twin sister had reportedly stayed at the home for the night.

The 47-year-old baby sitter -- whose name has not been released -- told Detroit police that she was cleaning her house and found the shotgun underneath the couch. She said she checked to see if it was loaded.

"She pointed the shotgun, looking down, had a finger on the trigger. And she racked it. She pumped it," Detroit police Sgt. Eren Stephens said. "It was discharged. And it struck the child."

<more>

http://www.theindychannel.com/news/2956762/detail.html

[CO Liberal]

12. Letter to the Editor: Underscore need for gun safety (PA)

For once, logic and reason from a pro-gunner. - Wayne

* * * * *

Underscore need for gun safety
Monday, March 29, 2004

I read with interest, shock and disappointment the article titled “Error, not a sniper, at river.”

Being an outdoors enthusiast, I was appalled with the sheer personal disregard for the safety of others and gun safety the young men allegedly showed.

“Just having some fun” seems to be what quite a few people are doing these days.

And, I’m sorry to say, that is a shame.

<more>

http://ydr.com/story/letters/20550/

[MrBenchley]

13. Armed man robs store (IN)

"MANSFIELD -- A man walked into the Marion Avenue Drive Thru on Sunday afternoon and walked out with an undetermined amount of cash.
The man brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cash register, Mansfield police Sgt. Keith Coleman said. Five people were inside the 289 Marion Ave. store at 4:45 p.m. when the robbery occurred. The witnesses described the man as a white male with a shaved head and stocky build, around 5 feet, 7 inches tall, he said. "

http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/news/stories/20040329/localnews/169785.html

[CO Liberal]

14. Gun range bill may backfire (FL)

More legislative fun from the Nuts Ruining America. - Wayne

* * * * *

Gun range bill may backfire

It creates a result opposite of what the NRA sought: Range owners will face more state scrutiny over lead cleanup than they do now, not less.

By CRAIG PITTMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published March 28, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A year ago, leaders of the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation signed a pledge to protect the environment from lead pollution at gun ranges.

"Today's signing demonstrates that our commitment to protecting the environment is just as strong as our commitment to our shooting heritage and Second Amendment rights," NRA vice president Wayne LaPierre said in a February 2003 statement issued in Orlando.

Six months later, though, the NRA launched a drive to do away with any environmental regulation of gun ranges in Florida. Marion Hammer, the NRA's lobbyist in Tallahassee, told lawmakers that gun range owners need to be protected from bureaucrats who "are drunk with power, and they think they can bully anybody they want."

The gun range bill (SB 1156) passed the Senate last week and is poised for passage by the House. The legislation says a change is necessary because the high cost of fighting off lawsuits filed by overly aggressive state regulators "threatens to destroy the sport shooting and training range industry."

<more>

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/03/28/State/Gun_range_bill_may_ba.shtml

[CO Liberal]

15. OPINION: Gun idea joins a long list of dubious laws (FL)

The gun lobby strikes again. - Wayne

* * * * *

Gun idea joins a long list of dubious laws

By PHIL LEWIS, [e-mail]

March 28, 2004

Every now and then you run across a list of obscure, puzzling and often laughable laws that are still on the books in various areas of the United States.

<snip>

Occasionally there are understandable, if not sound, reasons behind the enactment of such laws, but over time no one seems to remember all the details.

That's why we should all be taking note of what's happening up in Tallahassee.

The state Legislature has all but passed a new law that prohibits government agencies and private persons from keeping "any list, record or registry of privately owned firearms." We can see it now: In Florida, it's illegal to keep a list of the guns you own.

<more>

http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/pe_columnists/article/0,2071,NPDN_14960_2763674,00.html

[MrBenchley]

17. Boy, you'd think those pro-gun politicans are all comic idiots...

if it weren't for the outright aid to criminals this bill provides.

[MrBenchley]

16. Man who shot officer was wanted (OR)

"A man who died in an exchange of gunfire with an Oregon State Police trooper Friday night was wanted in connection with two bank robberies this month in Nevada.
The dead man, Jeremiah Paul Scanlon, 47, of Las Vegas, had told friends that he wouldn’t go back to prison and that he had "cop-killer" bullets he was willing to use, Jackson County sheriff’s Capt. Joe Puckett said at a press conference Saturday afternoon.
The Oregon State Police trooper he shot, Nick Neville, 33, was in intensive care at Rogue Valley Medical Center Saturday and was doing well, OSP Capt. Eric Rodriguez said. Neville and his wife both grew up in the Rogue Valley and his family was with him at the hospital, Rodriguez said.
Jackson County’s multi-agency major assault and death investigation team is investigating the shootings that happened Friday night at Valley of the Rogue State Park along Interstate 5."

http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2004/0328/local/stories/02local.htm

And the criminal could have walked into any gun show in Nevada nad bought a gun without a background check, thanks to the GOP and the corrupt gun industry.

[MrBenchley]

18. Akron teen held in shooting death

"An Akron teen has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old man last week on Tarson Terrace off South Arlington Street.
Dennis Mosley, 17, is being held at the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of aggravated murder and aggravated burglary.
Officers arrested Mosley on Thursday night. They found him hiding in a garage under a car in the 400 block of Homestead Street in East Akron.
Mosley was in Summit County Juvenile Court on Friday for an initial appearance. He denied the charges against him. Another hearing is set for April 14 in Juvenile Court. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=354&ncid=354&e=19&u=/kr/20040327/lo_krakron/akronteenheldinshootingdeath

Quick...what right wing lobbying group that has odious nutcase Grover Norquist on its board publishes a gun magazine for kids?

[MrBenchley]

19. Swat Team Called To Shooting In Williamson Co. (TX)

"Williamson County Sheriff's officers are on the scene of shooting in a neighborhood outside of Cedar Park. An unconfirmed report says that a woman was shot three times. Swat Team members were called out to the scene early Saturday night. Its believed a male suspect is holed up inside the house."

http://keyetv.com/localnews/local_story_089000759.html

[MrBenchley]

20. 7-Year-Old Girl Shot In Over-The-Rhine (OH)

"A police SWAT team has surrounded a house in which a man suspected of shooting a 7-year-old girl is hiding, according to investigators.
According to investigators, the man was arguing with another man near the 100 block of East McMicken Street at about 6 p.m. Sunday, Butler reported. He allegedly went into a home and came back outside with a gun, opening fire and injuring the young girl nearby. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=410&ncid=410&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040329/lo_wlwt/2070759

[MrBenchley]

21. Bond Set For Gas Station Murder Suspects (OH)

"Torino Gudger, 32, faces charges of murder and robbery, and is being held on $2 million bond, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported.
Elroy Wallace, 58, is charged with being an accomplice, and had his bond set at $1 million. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=410&ncid=410&e=10&u=/ibsys/20040326/lo_wlwt/2068770

[MrBenchley]

22. Parma Man Holed Up In House With Son, Daughter (OH)

"A Parma man is holed up inside a house with a gun and his two teenage children, NewsChannel5 reported.
Police said the man has been inside the home on Daleside Avenue since Sunday night.
Officers won't call his son and daughter hostages. They won't leave the house. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=387&ncid=387&e=1&u=/ibsys/20040329/lo_wews/2071642

[MrBenchley]

23. Standoff ends when man shoots himself (MI)

After an 8-hour standoff with police Friday, a 22-year-old Detroit man shot himself in the head when a Detroit police SWAT team entered the southwest Detroit home where the man held three people hostage.
The drama began when police spotted Torres in the 5800 block of Central at 11:45 a.m. Friday and attempted to arrest him on two arrest warrants. Torres ran into a nearby home, made his way onto the roof and jumped onto the neighboring house. There, he made his way inside and took two men and a woman hostage. He did not know the hostages, Detroit Police Cmdr. Craig Schwartz said.
"We know that he was in the same room with the final hostage when he shot himself," Schwartz said.
During the standoff, police evacuated neighboring households; students at a nearby school were in a lockdown situation and were released only to their parents, Schwartz said. "

http://www.freep.com/news/locway/cop27_20040327.htm

[MrBenchley]

24. Man Charged With Killing Teen, Boy's Father (FL)

"Detectives arrested Thomas Bevel, 22, over the weekend and charged him with the shooting deaths of 13-year old Philip Sims and his father, Garrick Stringfield, 32.
They were shot, along with a woman, Feb. 29 at Stringfield's home in Northwest Jacksonville. That woman, who was not named while Bevel was at large, is recovering.
The day after the shootings, police said that Bevel, a tenant in the home, was wanted for questioning in the shootings. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=422&ncid=422&e=1&u=/ibsys/20040329/lo_wjxt/2071346

[MrBenchley]

25. Police Piecing Together Bizarre Attack, High-Speed Chase (WI)

"A bloodied and battered victim escaped his alleged attacker in a home on Osmundsen Drive early Sunday. As the victim fled to nearby homes calling for help, his attacker took off in a stolen car.
A high-speed chase ensued with speeds reaching 100 mph, and at least one shot was fired at police. The suspect lost control of his car down an embankment on County Road M, entering Verona.
The suspect fled the car and shot himself as police were searching for him. Meanwhile, the Madison man who had been victimized told police his story.
"The victim was beaten (and) strangled, a gun/firearm was pointed at him, he was threatened," said Sgt. Chad Brecklin of Fitchburg police. "The suspect threatened to kill him. He was able to break free at some point, and escape the residence, thus running into the neighborhood and trying to summons help." "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=300&ncid=300&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040329/lo_wisc/2071052

[MrBenchley]

26. Rapist hunt still at dead end (FL)

"He raped a woman on Christmas Day. He attacked a 10-year-old girl one night and tried to break into her home again the next.
His last victims were two sisters, then 7 and 8. Armed with a small silver handgun, his face covered as usual, he crawled in through an open window and assaulted one, then the other.
It's been four months this week since the North Miami-Dade rapist last struck, raping the young sisters on Nov. 28, 2003.
No trap set by police has been able to snare him. Not a task force, a $30,000-plus reward, billboards, the ire of church and civic activists or a voluntary DNA sweep of men on the street.
The sweep paid off in other ways, leading police to other wanted men. Earlier this month, Anthony Banmah, 23, who gave a cheek swab during the manhunt for the rapist, was linked to the May slaying of a couple who worked at the Opa-locka-Hialeah Flea Market. In December, the DNA dragnet also netted Christopher Myles, 36, accused of being the Bus Stop rapist, who grabbed victims from the street."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/8300326.htm

And of course there's no way to check a database of who owns similar guns...although it we knew he had a small silver compact car law enforcement would have something to go on....

[MrBenchley]

27. 2 People Shot In Head At Trailer Park (NM)

"Two people are still listed in critical condition at University Hospital after they were shot in the head while driving through a trailer park.
Charles Horry was shot inside the car, and Cynthia Montoya was shot when she attempted to exit the vehicle. She managed to drive to a nearby gas station where she called police.
Police are still looking for Michael Alverez, 32, who is wanted in connection with the shooting. "

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040329/lo_koat/2072077

[MrBenchley]

28. Man Wanted By Grady County Officials (OK)

"Grady County sheriff's officials were looking Friday for a man they want to question about an early morning shooting near Blanchard that left one man seriously injured.
Police are searching for Stanley Kelly. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=299&ncid=299&e=4&u=/ibsys/20040327/lo_koco/2068963

[MrSandman]

30. WORKERS HIRED TO REMODEL HOMES ASSAULT, TRY TO ROB OWNER(CA)

(03-27-2004) - San Diego police reported Saturday that three men hired by a man to remodel his La Jolla properties pistol-whipped and tried to rob him, but they fled after the victim got a gun and fired two shots.

According to SDPD Sgt. Rich Nemetz, the attack occurred in the 6100 block of Avenida Chamnez about 5:14 p.m. Friday. The hired workers came to the victim's home and tried to rob him at gunpoint.

Police said that when the victim's wife arrived, one of the suspects told her to leave, which she did with two of her children.

http://www.kfmb.com/topstory23610.html

[Romulus]

31. Gun License Scam Deepens (Jam)

Another May-issue success story . . . - Rom

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20040327T220000-0500_57761_OBS_GUN_LICENCE_SCAM_DEEPENS.asp

Police have seized 300 firearms believed to have been issued to shady characters and are investigating six former commanding officers at the height of an islandwide probe into the corrupt issuing of gun licences, the Sunday Observer has learnt.

*snip*

Sources told the Sunday Observer that an islandwide audit of gun licences, which had been ordered by (Police Commissioner)Forbes, with special focus on St Andrew North and South St Andrew, had found that more than 200 gun licences and permits were issued by the St Andrew South police during 2003. Some applicants used fictitious addresses and in most cases licences were approved within a fortnight after applications were made, hardly enough time to complete detailed character checks.

*snip*

The approval of a gun licence can take anywhere between six and 18 months, as proper procedures must be followed by the commanding officer of the parish who is the appropriate issuing authority.

The procedure includes completing an application form which must be accompanied by an official receipt from the collector of taxes as proof of payment of the appropriate licences fee. The form, accompanied by three passport size photographs certified by a justice of the peace, and two recommendations, are sent to the superintendent of the parish. Investigations are carried out to verify the need to have a firearm, the applicant's character and temperament. This includes interviewing neighbours and friends. The investigating officer must also be satisfied that the applicant has a safe place to lock away the firearm. Fingerprint, narcotics and special branch clearance as well as a report are sent to the superintendent, either recommending or refusing the application. In either case, the superintendent must interview the applicant to make a decision.

*snip/more