Guns Save Lives – by Dan Cannon
Here is another one of our “Why I Carry” stories. These stories, unlike our defensive gun uses, take a look at situations that may have turned out very differently if the victim(s) had been armed. These stories also serve as an important reminder as to why it’s important to carry everyday.
The machete is the weapon of choice for many oppressive regimes throughout the world. The sheer violence of the machete reinforces it as weapon of fear.
Now, it seems as if we’re dealing with machete attacks in the United States.
According to ABC 7 Chicago,
A 26-year-old Jefferson Park man and his 17-year-old brother were waiting for the train shortly after midnight Monday when a group of four men and three teens approached them and asked them to flash gang signs. When the brothers refused and stated they were not part of a gang, police say 18-year-old Mario Elvira pulled out a machete and struck the 26-year-old victim in the head.The 26-year-old remains hospitalized at Swedish Covenant Hospital in stable condition. The attack caused a gash 6 inches long and 1 1/2 inches deep, which required more than 30 stitches to close.
Police said the seven suspects – Elvira; Jean Salvatierra, 23; Kevin Ramierz, 19; Kevar Preston, 20; and two 15-year-old males and one 15-year-old female – then fled. They were apprehended by police shortly thereafter. All of the suspects are from the North side of Chicago.
As always, I have to point out that a firearm may or may not have helped prevent or stop this assault. However, better situational awareness and planning could have possibly helped prevent the incident. Also, I prefer to have options whenever possible.