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It’s beginning to look as if guns might be a slight problem in the Phoenix area. We’ve taken a look at the news over the past few weeks, and it seems as if firearms are everywhere. And they are not only being used by people attempting to commit crimes or for target practice. In Arizona, gunplay inside crowded stores is apparently becoming mainstream. Just take a look at some of the more recent happenings around town:
- Shootout at 7-Eleven! When you go into a 7-Eleven or another one of the standard convenience stores, you might expect to leave with a soda, some bread, or maybe a candy bar. A near fatal incident probably wouldn’t be on your mind. You certainly wouldn’t expect to be caught in a gunfight inside the establishment. But in the 7-Eleven store at the corner of Warner and Dobson Roads in Chandler in mid-February, patrons were treated to a very scary show. The altercation began when two customers started arguing. One on them pulled a gun (doesn’t everyone bring their gun to the 7-Eleven?). Shockingly (to us, at least), the other combatant was also packing heat. One of the men fired, shooting the other one in the face. Police say his injuries are not life-threatening.
- Armed and dangerous at Walmart! A similar situation occurred at the Chandler Walmart, within a couple of days of the 7-Eleven shooting. Two men got into an argument inside the store, and it also turned into a physical fight. It appears that only one of the participants was armed, and he took the occasion to fire at his adversary, who was fatally injured. The shooter explained to the police that he was losing the fight and feared for his life.
What would astound anyone who doesn’t live in the Wild West was that neither of the shooters in these cases was arrested, the police taking the position that further investigation is needed. We can’t argue with their logic, but we do have a problem being subjected to a situation where you can’t go out for a bottle of milk without worrying whether you’ll be caught in a crossfire.
Law Offices of David A. Black
40 North Central Avenue #1850
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 280-8028
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