“I don’t have to! I’ve got a concealed carry permit!”

I was told a story recently about an incident that took place in the Triangle involving a concealed carry permit holder, some local police officers, and huge amounts of derp. I’m sharing the story with you because its humorous, and there’s a lesson. I was told the story 4th or 5th hand, so I can’t vouch for the complete accuracy of it, but here goes:

Police officers were called to respond to a home alarm going off due to a possible burglary. The officer (or officers?) arrived on the scene about the same time as the homeowner, who exited his vehicle with a handgun in his hand (1). The homeowner was informed by the officers to put the gun down, but before they could act the homeowner was charging toward the door of the home saying something to the effect of “I don’t have to! I’ve got a concealed carry permit!”(2).

The officers being somewhat perplexed be the situation, and probably not wanting to get shot by the seemingly trigger happy homeowner remained outside until they heard a single gunshot from inside the residence.

The officers then enter the home to find the homeowner all by himself, with a hole in his pants. Apparently after determining that his home was safe, he went to stick his pistol into his waistband, and when doing so, he forgot to take his finger off the trigger (3) blowing a hole through his pants, and thankfully only leaving some powder burns on his rear end.

Let’s recap:

1. The homeowner got out of his car, gun in hand. He’s lucky that he didn’t get a nice look down the business end of one of the officers service pistol.

2. The homeowner ran into the home to clear it. I don’t know who this person is, but I think it’s a safe bet that he isn’t trained to properly clear a building. Furthermore, there were officers on the scene who have training, body armor, and guns who were willing to go clear the building for him. I don’t know about you, but if someone else is willing and able to go into harms way for me, I’ll let them.

3. The old booger hook on the bang switch. Think about this the next time you slide a pistol into a holster: If there’s anything caught on the trigger (shirt, button, finger, etc) it can cause the pistol to discharge. This guy is pretty lucky in that he only has a hole in his pants, and some damaged pride.

From time to time I talk about being a person of action. Having a predetermined mindset to act when there is an emergency, and I still agree with that, but don’t trade action for using your brain. Think first, then act.