Can you give an example? I can:
Some are calling a former U.S. Marine a hero for shooting two men —
killing one — during the botched robbery of a sandwich shop in
Plantation. But the men's friends and family want to know how he could
gun them down and not be charged.
John Lovell had just finished dinner at about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday when,
Plantation police say, two men armed with guns rushed inside a Subway
shop and demanded cash. After robbing the store, the men turned to
Lovell. They wanted his money, police said.
But like his attackers, Lovell was armed.
The retired military man opened fire, shooting dead Donicio Arrindell,
22, of North Lauderdale, and critically injuring Fredrick Gadson, 21, of
Fort Lauderdale.
Lovell, 71, of Plantation, has a valid concealed weapons permit and is
not expected to be charged in the shooting, said police spokesman
Detective Robert Rettig. Gadson, however, faces multiple felony charges
that could include murder, he said. Under Florida law, anyone who
commits a felony such as armed robbery resulting in a death can be held
accountable for the capital offense.
"He feared for his life," Rettig said of Lovell. "And if he's in fear
for his life, then he has a right to defend himself, even if it means
severe bodily injury or death."
Florida law gives people the right of "self-defense without the duty to
retreat." That means individuals can use deadly force virtually anywhere
to prevent death or serious injury.
Lovell could not be reached for comment despite calls and visits to his
home.