Common thief vs. Iraq veteran - What would you have done?

2015-05-15T08:59:15-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5_ea1yCwqo

What is your reaction to this video? With recent public buzz about violent crime and gun ownership, would you say this clerk represents the exception amongst gun owning veterans?

Liquor Store Clerk Iraq Veteran Turns Tables On Would Be Robber

Over the weekend 54-year-old Jon Lewis Alexander was working at Beer:30 Liquor Store in Marionville, Missouri when a man entered the store, pulled a gun on h...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-05-15T16:12:36-04:00

Good deal.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 15 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-05-15T16:13:17-04:00

...not given him a chance to regret his decision.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made May 15 at 2015 4:18 PM

2015-05-15T16:18:23-04:00

I would have done the same thing pulled out the side arm and told him to leave ASAP

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 15 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-05-15T16:19:53-04:00

My main thought, it is to bad the criminal walked out of the store? Perfect ending would have been with the thief in handcuffs...in my book...but with the video, that could still happen.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made May 15 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-05-15T16:25:21-04:00

He did outstanding

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-05-15T16:26:22-04:00

Doesn't surprise me at all. This was a very good friend of mine, and a combat-veteran herself.

http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Man-wanted-in-Knollwood-liquor-store-robbery--249213541.html

Man wanted in Knollwood liquor store robbery

KNOLLWOOD, TX -- The Grayson County Sheriff's Office says it is looking for a man who robbed the Knollwood Liquor and Beer Store Saturday night.

Response by SFC Charles S. made May 15 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-05-15T16:26:33-04:00

The Thief was lucky. He could have been in a morgue on a slab instead of living to tell his tale. I would hope that he learned a valuable lesson and changed his ways.

I Carry a CCW weapon and would have done similarly. If the legal use of force is reached and you are no longer in danger, holster your weapon. This was a good call by the veteran.

WIN WIN.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:28 PM

2015-05-15T16:28:20-04:00

I think the guy in the video answered that when he said he don't think everyone should do it that you need to know what you are capable of. Also with that you need to know what level of risk you are willing to take. But good for the clerk I am glad he did do it.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 15 at 2015 4:28 PM

2015-05-15T16:28:32-04:00

Got to say RallyPoint Team, I think this man did the job well. No, he is not the exception among the veteran gun owning population. I know many who would have had a similar reaction. Fortunately this veteran had been a military police officer.

I guess the old cadence of "If I had a low IQ I could be an MP too" no longer holds true, at least not for this particular individual. Job well done.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made May 15 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-05-15T16:29:24-04:00

I'm glad things turned out well and the thief learned a lesson. That being said, truthfully, I would have complied with the robber and not taken the risk. In a split second, anything can happen and I wouldn't want to die over a few material things.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 15 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-05-15T16:35:16-04:00

Good video, because it shows that he first ensure that the guys gun was directed away from him then he pulled his gun without looking for it and placed it on the guys face. He also choose not to shoot even when he had the right. All these shows that he practices what he does. That is the lesson here practice, practice, practice.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 15 at 2015 4:37 PM

2015-05-15T16:37:17-04:00

As past and present warriors, we all say we'd have done the same thing but in reality I'm not sure anyone knows exactly how they'd react in this situation. Something similar happened to me once and looking back at it, it did not go down as I would've potentially described it.

Nonetheless, the training this man had is clearly displayed with his reaction time, poise, and assertiveness. He reacted - no thinking involved.

I'm sure the merits of the second amendment will be throughly debated here but no one can deny the value of military experience!

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 15 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-05-15T16:46:17-04:00

Awesome to bad he didn't just have the guy wait for cops to get him but all in all good move I have my concealed carry and I carry as often as I can

Response by CSM Michael Lynch made May 15 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-05-15T16:47:49-04:00

Well done and executed professionally. He knew what he was doing and how to handle the situation with out it escalating as he pushed the robbers gun away and brought his out like it was second nature and well practiced. Good on him and now the police can get the robber at least for attempted armed robbery and tie him up for a few years. He is very lucky he will be in jail and not a pine box.

Good on the veteran for not just shooting him as he could have, he deescalated the issue without anyone getting hurt. I'm sure the robber is thinking about it knowing he could be dead right now. Hopefully it will make other wannabes think before they attempt to rob someone.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 15 at 2015 5:11 PM

2015-05-15T17:11:41-04:00

Veteran or not, it's our right to protect what's ours. Mission accomplished!

Response by SSG John Erny made May 15 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-05-15T17:55:22-04:00

Well played, well played indeed!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made May 15 at 2015 6:17 PM

2015-05-15T18:17:14-04:00

The veteran in the video is a shining example of what happens when you have responsible citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment Right to keep and bear arms. He reacted as one would expect a veteran to react -- with a cool head and courage, displaying confidence in the face of danger. If we had gun control laws in place, only the robber would have been armed and it could potentially have gone very badly for the veteran.

Response by PO1 James Friedman made May 15 at 2015 6:16 PM

2015-05-15T18:16:48-04:00

Outstanding job on his part.
Retired DOD police Officer

Response by PO1 James Friedman made May 15 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-05-15T18:18:35-04:00

I would have done the exact same thing.

Response by PO1 Howard Doll made May 15 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-05-15T18:54:49-04:00

I am not sure what I would have done; what I do know is justice is served.

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made May 15 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-05-15T19:38:15-04:00

I could only hope I'd be as calm and have the control not to pull the trigger like he had done. Without the training I hate to say it I may have ended a life out of the anger of him trying to mess up my day. To me he is something I can only hope to be like if needed. I've been robbed a few times as a young teen and hate the feeling, glad it worked out for him and only hope the showing of the video doesn't come back to haunt him or cause him or anyone around him harm at a later date.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-05-15T19:46:25-04:00

Way to go store clerk.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-05-15T19:47:16-04:00

I would have done the same thing.

Response by CPL Ron Williams made May 15 at 2015 7:56 PM

2015-05-15T19:56:23-04:00

I would have to say I would have done the same.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made May 15 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-05-15T22:05:25-04:00

That is too cool! That was well played and you could tell he executed that "Battle Drill" a few times. On a side note, I recruited in Marionville, MO in 93/94... I think I know the store.

Response by SPC Christian Ziegler made May 15 at 2015 11:22 PM

2015-05-15T23:22:49-04:00

I'm not going to lie I have a CCL and if that happened to me I would of pulled the trigger. With the way things are going down around the country now a day if you pull on me and I get mine out, I will pull the trigger every time. Scouts Out

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 16 at 2015 12:39 AM

2015-05-16T00:39:03-04:00

He's like a real life Charles Bronson.

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made May 16 at 2015 2:38 AM

2015-05-16T02:38:47-04:00

I think he should have put him on the floor then call the cops to pick up the body

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 16 at 2015 2:56 AM

2015-05-16T02:56:53-04:00

I'm surprised he let the guy walk away. I'm not saying he should have shot him (especially since he disarmed the would-be robber) but if I were in the same situation and had the same level of training and experience as this man did I think I would have held him there until the police arrived. Because who knows if the wanna-be thug had other guns and decided to rob another store? It would have been one less criminal out on the street.

Response by PO2 Slade Brown made May 16 at 2015 3:58 AM

2015-05-16T03:58:21-04:00

Training goes a long way to ensure not only the veterans safety first by deflecting the threat and responding with a cool head. Many others would have been shot or had to live with killing another man. This is a shining example of not only our military but also what it means to be an American with the right to keep and bare arms to protect ourselves and our property.

Response by SPC John Reed made May 16 at 2015 4:29 AM

2015-05-16T04:29:17-04:00

My initial thought was "good for him". However, he was to close to the thief and he let an armed thief go without at least removing the thiefs weapon. As close as he was he was relying on a lack of training in the thief who could have handled the situation in the same way he did. I have always been taught to draw and shoot, if you are not going to shoot dont draw because once the other person is out of your sight you no longer have control of the situation.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 5:22 AM

2015-05-16T05:22:11-04:00

Responsible gun owners, especially military service members, should be allowed to carry (concealed) after appropriate licensing and certification in any state, any time. What that prior service member did was appropriate and proportionate for the situation. Many Kudos to him and our 2nd Amendment right.

Response by A1C Chevy Nova Rambo made May 16 at 2015 6:24 AM

2015-05-16T06:24:56-04:00

It Doesn't Work Everytime., but with His Training & Expertise, it Worked for Him..And that Thief Won't be Back anytime Soon

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 16 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-05-16T08:43:21-04:00

Dang, this is an old video. I doubt that I would have shown as much restraint as the guy in Marionville did. I have family connections in Marionville, and I plan to visit the guy's store and shake his hand next time I am in town.

Response by SFC Anthony Ruiz made May 16 at 2015 10:08 AM

2015-05-16T10:08:32-04:00

Some of us would of jus sweetest the trigger

Response by COL David S. made May 16 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-05-16T12:18:20-04:00

He did what he should have done. End of story.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-05-16T12:28:27-04:00

I think that the veteran in this video did the right thing at the right time to keep from getting robbed. And having a CWP affirms our 2nd amendment rights.

Response by SGT Matthew Madrid made May 16 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-05-16T13:33:32-04:00

Wtf... He should have made the guy drop the gun before letting him run off.

Response by SSgt Anthony Wortham made May 16 at 2015 2:26 PM

2015-05-16T14:26:54-04:00

HOOOOOOOOORAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! BAM!

Response by LCpl Tom Dunn made May 16 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-05-16T15:06:58-04:00

Probably would of done the same thing but the thief wouldn't have walked away

Response by LCpl Rustin Poorboy made May 16 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-05-16T15:55:36-04:00

Chalk one up 4 the good guys!

Response by Sgt Adam Robbins made May 16 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-05-16T17:56:26-04:00

He showed restraint and control , and would not allow himself to be the victim......however with that being said he is an exception because: not all gun owners continue to train or have trained with the weapons and carry systems they choose, this perishable skill and tactical thinking needs to sharpened like a blade or it will become dull

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 16 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-05-16T20:05:57-04:00

He got lucky that he was able to push the robbers gun away.

Response by SPC John Decker made May 16 at 2015 11:45 PM

2015-05-16T23:45:29-04:00

If I was armed in my job and was drawn on, I would do the same thing. No, I don't think he is the exception.

Response by PFC Harvey Jones made May 17 at 2015 2:12 AM

2015-05-17T02:12:06-04:00

Good response

Response by SPC Jeff Myers made May 17 at 2015 3:50 AM

2015-05-17T03:50:37-04:00

Outstanding

Response by SSG Scott Heineman made May 17 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-05-17T12:36:47-04:00

The way things are now and days you need to be packing it's better to be safe then sorry

Response by SPC Darryl Musgrove made May 17 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-05-17T12:48:24-04:00

Military training pays off

Response by Cpl Craig Davies made May 17 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-05-17T16:22:09-04:00

Outfreekinstanding!!....OORah!

Response by TSgt Jason Thompson made May 17 at 2015 6:40 PM

2015-05-17T18:40:04-04:00

My guess is that I wouldn't quite put the same stock in the loss of merchandise and/or money, and just let him go with the insurance covered losses.

But I suppose my G20 could find my way into my hand as well. Maybe I should have said "I'd play it by ear."

As for exceptions or examples, I have no idea if we use guns more responsibly. My guess is that we do, and certainly we do it with more competence than the average citizen. But you know there are more than a handful of Vets who just as easily could do something(s) outrageous and cause that same public buzz to refocus specifically upon us.

Response by SSG Alfredo Ramirez made May 17 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-05-17T21:04:20-04:00

I'm a Veteran, but I don't like guns....I think clerks should be allowed to have a gun available because quick stores like this one get held up quite often....for self defense....I don't particularly like guns but I do believe in having one around in case of emergencies.....This veteran reacted without a blink, because of his experience as a Military Policeman.....great job...

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-05-17T22:42:13-04:00

Great job! Once a soldier always a soldier

Response by SP5 Bob Doney made May 18 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-05-18T10:18:20-04:00

I carry.45acp in town always n glock in glove box. I believe he did the right thing. Ppl getting crazy anymore.

Response by SPC Brandon Lewis made May 18 at 2015 11:22 AM

2015-05-18T11:22:25-04:00

He showed great restraint. He made the right decision in letting the thief leave instead of trying to restrain him or worse. Lots of people would have shot that guy.

Response by Sgt William Bulhoes made May 18 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-05-18T11:54:53-04:00

I would have done the same thing. I'm always carrying a side arm.

Response by LCpl Ronnie Rae made May 18 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-05-18T12:47:41-04:00

Lots of self control. I might have pulled the trigger.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-05-18T13:04:09-04:00

One word - AWESOME!

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made May 18 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-05-18T13:34:35-04:00

Guns are a tool. No more good or bad then the individual wielding the tool. In this case the video shows both good and bad. I applaud the clerk for demonstrating proper use of a firearm.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-05-18T14:01:59-04:00

I have a concealed weapons carry permit and I also know how to use my weapon and in this case I would hope that I would do the same thing, I can't stand a thief, if doesn't belong to you and you try to take without paying then you're a thief and you should be stopped by all means necessary that is if you're qualified to use a weapon. Then at such time it's a judgement call weather you pull out your weapon or not not

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made May 18 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-05-18T14:21:25-04:00

Bad things happen to bad people everyday. They have to live with the poor decisions they make and this incident shows that you can never tell who is going to fight back.

Response by SPC Christopher Cramer made May 18 at 2015 3:25 PM

2015-05-18T15:25:51-04:00

that clerk sure did have his head on right that day. just by looking at the video you could tell he was trying to remain as calm as humanly possible.

Response by SGT Joe Belisario made May 18 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-05-18T16:02:16-04:00

Awesome restraint, if I draw I fire

Response by LCpl Stephen Cross made May 18 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-05-18T16:17:57-04:00

Same thing I don't like not carrying

Response by PO1 Jeffrey Phillips made May 18 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-05-18T17:30:03-04:00

I have not carried in a long time and not had any of the current training, so I would not feel comfortable in that situation (Actually I don't carry for that reason). It takes practice, and muscle memory to pull that off.
That was perfectly played when the perp pulled his gun hand back to keep the pistol out of Vet's grasp rather than backing away and keeping teh weapon trained on the Vet he created the opening. To our Vet I say BZ.

Response by Sgt Felix Mourelo made May 18 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-05-18T18:03:01-04:00

that's right and was in his rights to protect himself from harm

Response by SGT Richard Blue made May 18 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-05-18T18:29:43-04:00

That guy is crazy.

Response by SGT Tommy Silvas made May 18 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-05-18T19:34:53-04:00

If someone is pointing a gun at \me like that I must assume he intends to shoot me or there is a great chance i wil get shot, If I make that fatefull decision to pull my weapon I am immediately going to shoot. Pointing a gun at someone who is pointing a gun at you is asking to be shot, in a situation like that if you pull your weapon yuou have to use that guy got lucky

Response by TSgt Phil Textor made May 18 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-05-18T19:50:02-04:00

The problem is the next guy will come in and just shoot the clerk.

Response by LCpl Terry Vallee made May 18 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-05-18T22:49:09-04:00

its not something every veteran should take on. it depends on wether or not you continue to continue training in some aspect
keeping your reflexes and knowledge is a must!

Response by SPC Kory Hartman made May 18 at 2015 11:57 PM

2015-05-18T23:57:56-04:00

Outstanding!!! I love seeing the good guys come ahead and a fellow Brother in Arms staying safe.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 19 at 2015 1:23 AM

2015-05-19T01:23:58-04:00

Common Thief? "There is nothing common the way I thieve!" Lol

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 10:45 AM

2015-05-19T10:45:11-04:00

He handled the situation with a level head and grace....and that was enough to deter this thief. He seems to have exceptional training and that is what makes the difference between a good or poor reaction.

Response by Cpl Kristoffer Mischel made May 19 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-05-19T10:49:52-04:00

That is awesome. I carry anytime I go out of the house and would never want to use my pistol. I like that he was able to resolve the issue without having to pull the trigger. Either way, he chose the wrong store to try to rob.

Response by SP5 Mandell Carolina made May 19 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-05-19T12:09:45-04:00

That's it live or die

Response by PFC Scotty Smith made May 19 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-05-19T14:30:44-04:00

Would have done the same thing.

Response by SFC James Fox made May 19 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-05-19T16:20:21-04:00

totaly sgree. also good that he said not every one should do it. also good to have the idiots face for all to see

Response by PFC Scott Palmer made May 19 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-05-19T20:57:43-04:00

Just love our military trained men and women that won't stand for BS like that.

Response by Cpl Michael Burns made May 19 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-05-19T22:55:31-04:00

No, if anyone deserves to own firearms, it's the veterans that defend the constitution that allows every American to own firearms.

Response by CPL Michael Cummins made May 20 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-05-20T08:27:08-04:00

The great thing about military training is that it never leaves you. A big Hooah! To us select few.

Response by LCpl Tom Amacher made May 20 at 2015 8:53 AM

2015-05-20T08:53:47-04:00

I hope he's not the exception, but more the majority. I'd have just shot the guy.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 11:50 AM

2015-05-20T11:50:15-04:00

Nice, I love it. If we did that to all the " would be " dip shits, crime would drop dramatically.

Response by SFC Sean Davies made May 20 at 2015 1:50 PM

2015-05-20T13:50:45-04:00

Nice

Response by SPC Lee Washington made May 20 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-05-20T16:01:14-04:00

Handled perfectly

Response by SPC Joseph Green made May 20 at 2015 4:50 PM

2015-05-20T16:50:14-04:00

Same thing.....::: great job sir..

Response by SSG Glen Leatherbury made May 20 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-05-20T17:42:19-04:00

I think the public is going to feel that we vets are expendable here as well as in iraq. The clerk should have just given him the money and reported it to the authorities. I don't think it was good judgement to act like he did unless of course his thinking was he didn't care if he got shot or not. PTSS can do weird things to a vets mind. However I am glad that he is alright and I hope in the future he will reflect back on this as he was lucky the thief didn't shoot him first.

Response by CWO3 Danny Vega made May 20 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-05-20T18:09:28-04:00

Awesome reaction to a potentially lethal situation. No blood was shed that day.

Response by PO2 Nathan Quinlan made May 20 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-05-20T20:55:41-04:00

I love it.

Response by PO3 Mike Brown made May 20 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-05-20T21:44:31-04:00

Awesome response. Support our 2nd and don't leave home without your sidearm.

Response by SGT Forrest Medecke made May 21 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-05-21T09:24:37-04:00

The onlything i would have done different ia asshole wouldn't have been walking out cause i didn't see disarmed so i wouldn't leave an armed opponent walking

Response by FN George Finney made May 21 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-05-21T19:06:52-04:00

Outstanding!

Response by SPC Glenn Hill III made May 21 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-05-21T19:40:37-04:00

I would have done the same thing.

Response by 1st Lt Dennis Whiton made May 21 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-05-21T19:48:08-04:00

Well done Sergeant!! I am not sure I would have let him go, but great job.

Response by Sgt Robert Holden made May 21 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-05-21T20:55:53-04:00

Excellent response, the idiot is lucky he didn't paint the chip aisle with his brains. Nice and smooth reaction.

Response by Cpl Loren Salzer made May 21 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-05-21T20:55:43-04:00

Hell yea!

Response by PO3 Ronald Price made May 21 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-05-21T22:41:00-04:00

Outstanding!!! He acted appropriately due to the circumstances. A great leader is one who leads by example. :-)

Response by PO2 David Fukuzawa made May 21 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-05-21T23:47:53-04:00

Good Job!

Response by Cpl Justin Kerlina made May 22 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-05-22T09:43:15-04:00

yut.

Response by SGT Wade Matsuda made May 22 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-05-22T12:04:11-04:00

should have pulled the trigger

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-05-22T12:52:37-04:00

Very good video with excellent details on what he's been through and what he's capable of. i agree with jon santee, i also have my ccw in iowa and i carry my sig .40cal about 90% of the time everywhere i go due to the fact i have had the training since i was 7 till current along with 6 years in service. plain and simple the world and people have changed and not necessarily for the greater good side either. This video just goes to show you that with the proper training and discipline the 2nd Amendment shall always been enforced and exercised under the right circumstances.

Response by LtCol Christopher Ajinga made May 22 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-05-22T13:06:24-04:00

Good TTP on clerks part. Letting the criminal walk away was very risky. He could have started shooting. Since he drew a handgun no warning from me. Once my muzzle was clear he had a second to drop and surrender or I would've squeezed the trigger. No more threat and I go home to my bride! Very lucky.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-05-22T14:35:51-04:00

So Endith The Lesson Wrong store Wrong Clerk

Response by SPC Kurt Boylen made May 22 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-05-22T14:41:14-04:00

I don't really understand how this could in anyway be controversial. A man, armed with a legal weapon, with police training, intervened in a robbery. I personally don't even think all those definitive positives needed to exist for this to still be an interaction without cause for controversy.

In some ways, I wish he had demanded to disarm the man before allowing him to leave. Keep up the good work!

Response by PVT William Walley made May 22 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-05-22T15:31:56-04:00

Same thing

Response by Cpl Luke Uebelher made May 22 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-05-22T17:54:01-04:00

Good work in standing his ground, protecting the business and himself. Semper Fi.

Response by PFC David Chapman made May 22 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-05-22T22:16:27-04:00

Its like this, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

Response by PO3 Glenn Philhower made May 23 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-05-23T00:06:51-04:00

Very Nice work..

Response by SPC Scott Warrner made May 23 at 2015 2:13 AM

2015-05-23T02:13:24-04:00

Shot him

Response by SPC Vincenzo Minano made May 23 at 2015 12:28 PM

2015-05-23T12:28:01-04:00

This is why we deserve the respect we don't get enough of. just because we are/were Soldiers, Marines, Air force, Navy, doesn't mean that we are at the bottom of the chain, as I feel sometimes. do not underestimate us! We ALL deserve that respect. we do great things for OUR country and even those of us now with the problems we now have for protecting this country. even us disabled vets do so much good in this world. I appreciate everything you do, and have done. I am proud of us all! let's make this country a better place for everyone. if I had to do all again, even if I didn't, I would still do it all over again. my pain and suffering is for this country and NO ONE will take it from us! We did this for you, our great Americans. thank you.

Response by SGT Louis Bender made May 23 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-05-23T12:56:33-04:00

He did an excellent job of showing restraint. Myself, l would have also thumbed back the trigger so he knew l meant business.

Response by SPC Peter Hemingway made May 23 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-05-23T14:22:54-04:00

I'd have done the same, I carry always. Never less then two

Response by Cpl Vincent Infanti made May 23 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-05-23T15:41:58-04:00

Wrong idea wrong person to try and rob,roe definitely on the money

Response by Cpl Korrey Ostler made May 23 at 2015 11:42 PM

2015-05-23T23:42:14-04:00

I'd a shot him!

Response by PO3 David Ojeda made May 24 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-05-24T08:42:14-04:00

This is just a prime example why we should never take away, our 2nd amendment.

Response by SFC Myles White made May 24 at 2015 10:48 AM

2015-05-24T10:48:10-04:00

I think using his weapon in his defense is his right. I think if you exercise that right it is your responsibility to be trained and competent! Good on him!

Response by SPC Anne Stepanovic made May 24 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-05-24T12:10:33-04:00

In ALBUQUERQUE gas station attendants working graveyard shifts hide behind locked doors and push cigarettes and candy bars through a stupid mail slot like your visiting an inmate. It's ridiculous, circle k needs to cowboy up and issue the clerk a glock and get it over with.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-05-24T13:55:43-04:00

Bravo to him !! His expertise in handling the situation was superb, but not all could move so swiftly.

Response by PO3 Jeremy Hastings made May 24 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-05-24T14:27:55-04:00

The truly sad thing is that this experienced vet is stuck working in a liquor store. I know, I was there.

Response by PO1 Jamie Turnham made May 24 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-05-24T14:56:35-04:00

Not sure he would have had an option

Response by Cpl Mitchell McCann made May 24 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-05-24T17:43:38-04:00

If carrying a weapon, I would of done the same thing. Good job well done.

Response by SPC Susan Flowers made May 24 at 2015 7:50 PM

2015-05-24T19:50:37-04:00

It's about time the bad guys lose

Response by PO3 Joy Kozlowski made May 24 at 2015 8:36 PM

2015-05-24T20:36:55-04:00

Training was not for nothing and it might get rusty but it is never forgotten. The courage required to do the things we sent people to afganitan for does not go away.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 9:46 PM

2015-05-24T21:46:50-04:00

Know how to use it, and use appropriately...

Response by SSgt Chad Knisley made May 25 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-05-25T22:18:52-04:00

It was the right thing to do "period"

Response by SA Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 6:38 AM

2015-05-26T06:38:15-04:00

Thugs beware! :)

Response by A1C David Brown made May 26 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-05-26T12:54:28-04:00

Perfect! He handled the situation very well. One must understand that in a situation such as this, there is no law present to protect him. Amendments or whatever, they are not working at the moment and he needs to protect himself. He did the right thing by making him leave. It is not his duty to apprehend or to shoot the MF, just remove his threat. I applaud his confidence and keeping his cool!

Response by SPC Roy Collins made May 26 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-05-26T21:09:25-04:00

Proud of my veteran brother, he reacted just as he should have!

Response by SPC James Harper made May 26 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-05-26T21:25:14-04:00

I would have just turned the gun against him n made him fire himself self defense in my part

Response by PO2 Robert Rodriguez made May 27 at 2015 12:49 AM

2015-05-27T00:49:17-04:00

exactly what I would have done..

Response by TSgt Charles Hilton made May 27 at 2015 4:23 AM

2015-05-27T04:23:13-04:00

I am surprised the theif is still alive! I hope that incident changed his life around. God Bless you Jon Lewis-Alexander!

Response by HN Gary Walker made May 27 at 2015 8:31 AM

2015-05-27T08:31:01-04:00

Training is the keystone. Well done!

Response by SSG James Phillips made May 27 at 2015 9:12 AM

2015-05-27T09:12:16-04:00

The clerk had great response, and at the same time, notice his left hand caused the would be robber to lower his gun and would have been able to deflect if he raised it. He kept his hand there and gave no chance for the robber to recover, but only flee.

Great show of split-second decision making.

Response by Sgt Marcie Grenard made May 27 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-05-27T12:40:38-04:00

Awesome job well done that is exactly what we do as military vets or active duty

Response by SGT Kenneth Warner made May 27 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-05-27T18:29:31-04:00

I just glade that out come was good . It's even better that he Use to be a MP . it could of went to the winds quick . I'm happy that it didn't. Thank you for your service,

Response by PO2 Edward DeRosia made May 28 at 2015 12:40 AM

2015-05-28T00:40:01-04:00

Good on him. Nuff said.

Response by HA James Ridgway made May 28 at 2015 2:23 AM

2015-05-28T02:23:17-04:00

I don't know if he represents the exception, Of course not all people react the same way in a stressful situation. Circumstances happened to be on the clerks side. To have his weapon handy and he had the element of surprise not to mention he had RIGHT on his side. I believe good people do what they must to survive. I think this presents a valid argument that disarming vets is unmerited. If you disarm innocent people you will make more victims for the predators to feed off of.

Response by SPC Anthony Karanovich made May 28 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-05-28T09:47:26-04:00

Props to the clerk but it's was really risky pulling a gun at someone who already had his gun out and pointed at him.

Response by PO3 Roger Maddox made May 28 at 2015 12:44 PM

2015-05-28T12:44:18-04:00

Robbers skivies need to be changed lol

Response by SGT Ryan Crezee made May 28 at 2015 2:09 PM

2015-05-28T14:09:47-04:00

Exception to what? I would say he represents the status quo amongst gun owning veterans.

Response by PO3 Josie Buchanan made May 28 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-05-28T15:03:07-04:00

Well done. If I had been behind the counter I don't know if I could have restrained myself from taking my weapon out and shooting him. I hope the owners of that store give him a much deserved raise.

Response by LCpl Steve Meyer made May 28 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-05-28T22:02:48-04:00

outstanding jarhead ooorah

Response by PO1 Charles Babcock made May 29 at 2015 12:06 AM

2015-05-29T00:06:47-04:00

Looks like appropriate use of a firearm to me. Good Job.

Response by LCpl Leland Davis made May 29 at 2015 7:48 AM

2015-05-29T07:48:09-04:00

Yes, his actions isn't for everyone. I do commend them.

Response by SGT Jack Dotson made May 29 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-05-29T14:16:32-04:00

He had the training to pull it off!!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-05-29T16:38:23-04:00

Respect for not pulling the trigger when he had every right and chance too..

Response by SPC Kim Bordeaux made May 29 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-05-29T16:46:52-04:00

I agree with what he did. He followed the proper steps because of good training and good sense.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 29 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-05-29T22:55:18-04:00

He should have shot him. One less criminal on the ball of dirt

Response by SPC Joseph Durham made May 29 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-05-29T23:50:28-04:00

He would have been in his rights to fire. But police now know who to arrest. Situation was handled professionally.

Response by SGT Samuel Reed made May 30 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-05-30T14:21:52-04:00

Good reaction, but I wouldn't have left the culprit leave. Custody and control.

Response by Sgt Den OBrien made May 30 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-05-30T17:47:30-04:00

Good job...he showed restraint towards the scummer. Quick change of subject......I see cigarettes listed for 2.09 a pack and $20.49 a carton....I guess MO is the place I'd go if I still smoked. Where I'm at 8 or 9 dollars a pack is the norm. "buttleggers" take heed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-05-31T00:09:47-04:00

I react to this video firstly by giving the Veteran major props for the way he handled the situation. Clearly under most jurisdictions he would have been justified in applying greater force than he exercised in this robbery attemp. The Veteran took control of the situation and remained in control. He met deadly force with deadly force all the while exercising restraint and control. He could have shot the robber and most likely killed him at that range and with his background.

I can't say I agree with the second question as you have posed it. I find that many Veterans are more confident in their ability to employ fire arms than their civilan counter parts. Their familurity, abilities and training many times allows them to assess and employ courses of actions that civilians would be second guessing. I don't see Veterans as violent gun owners but rather capabile gun owners that can and will commit to a course of action once decided upon. We have been trained to act predicated on the situation and resources at our disposal as the situation developes.

A violent person would have used this opportunity to shoot and kill the would be robber under the guise of self defense, protecting the employers property as well as "he drew first."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-05-31T00:22:24-04:00

I give the Veteran major Props for exercising the control and restraint that he did in taking control of the situation and responding to the threat.

I’m not sure what the second question means by exception amongst gun owning Veterans. I know many Veterans who own firearms and are capable of handling a situation like the one in the video. I will grant that there are more than a few who would have pulled the trigger if for no other reason than they could and most likely not face prosecution given that the unsuccessful armed robber drew first with deadly force. Given the situation the Veteran in the Video felt he had the situation in hand.

He responded with the threat of controlled deadly force and chose to deescalate the amount of force to the level necessary to stop the robbery attempt and force the perpetrator to leave the premises empty handed and probably grateful to be alive or recovering in an ICU somewhere.

Response by SFC Brian Williams made May 31 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-05-31T14:30:15-04:00

That's the standard Hooah

Response by SGT Richard Schaut Jr. made May 31 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-05-31T15:26:36-04:00

Outstanding

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-05-31T20:30:16-04:00

I'd say the majority. Servicemen are trained and disciplined.

Response by SFC Jere Hodges made Jun 1 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-06-01T09:55:02-04:00

I commend the clerk for being ready, but this is a case of a man pulling a gun who was not prepared to use it.

If the robber had actually been prepared to use it, the clerk would have been dead before he had a chance to draw.

I'd suggest the robber find someplace to donate his firearm.

Like my grandpa taught me - NEVER pull a gun on a man unless you're ready to use it.

Response by SFC Lisa Hirst made Jun 3 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-06-03T12:02:51-04:00

1st off if I was working in a store like that I would be carrying a weapon as well. These kind of stores are always getting robbed and I couldn't work at a place like that unless I felt safe

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-06-03T22:00:24-04:00

Badass. Well done brother.

Response by CPL Robert Washington made Jun 5 at 2015 3:30 AM

2015-06-05T03:30:04-04:00

Love this...

Response by SP6 Michael Herrera made Jun 6 at 2015 5:33 PM

2015-06-06T17:33:52-04:00

Two weeks after 9/11, at age 53, I was walking back from a restaurant near LAX when a punk, big black and stupid, tried to rob me with a gun. He was trying to lure me into an alley but I walked fast right by it, when he realized I foiled his plan. He stopped at the corner but I continued on that is when he threatened to shoot me right there if I didn't hand over my wallet. So I backed up alongside him and watched him. When he perceived I was not going to comply with his demand, he reached into his pocket to retrieve his gun, and that is when I shuffled in and delivered a karate chop to his Adam's apple, delivered a left hook into his face, and then followed up with my left knee into his abdomen. He fell to the ground totally discomfited while I continued to pommel him. He managed to get away from me and so I chased after him but then realized I made my point and went back to the corner. He stopped and looked at me and I defiantly got into a fighting stance. Sheer terror filled his eyes as he shook his hands vigorously in front of him indicating he had enough. I ran back to the restaurant and called the police and filed a report when they came.

Response by SFC Joe Daniels made Jun 7 at 2015 9:39 AM

2015-06-07T09:39:18-04:00

I believe in shoot first attitude...Cleanup later....I keep the "Judge" ready "a 410/45" but I keep the 410 round on the ready... always with me...and Ruger 9mm for home....

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-06-07T09:53:34-04:00

Good on him. I'll bet that would have been robber will think twice next time.

Response by CPL Matthew Victor Spagnuolo made Jun 7 at 2015 11:20 PM

2015-06-07T23:20:42-04:00

I would have done the same thing! Pull my .40 Cal glock model 22 in his face!

Response by LCDR Bruce Cooley made Jun 8 at 2015 3:10 PM

2015-06-08T15:10:51-04:00

The exact the same thing!!!!!

Response by PFC Jason Jaggers made Jun 15 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-06-15T14:44:21-04:00

Awesome job Semper Fi til I die oooohraaah

Response by PO3 F D made Jun 17 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-06-17T15:11:09-04:00

Hoorah to this effin motivator!

Response by SPC(P) Carlos Santini made Jun 18 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-06-18T14:22:04-04:00

That clerk handled just like I would have. We need more people that will stand up to these punks.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Jun 27 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-06-27T11:24:30-04:00

This is rather old news (about 2 years, I think). I would have simply shot the crook. Probably several times, just to be sure. But Mr. Alexander's tactics worked, so all I can say is "congratulations."

Response by SPC William Warner made Aug 19 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-08-19T14:44:08-04:00

I would have probably reacted the same way.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 30 at 2015 12:55 PM

2015-08-30T12:55:44-04:00

The same