THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 6, 1996 TAG: 9602060005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
For years, I have been involved in the shooting sports. I am a member of the board of directors of a local shooting club. All of this time I have never thought seriously of needing a firearm for defensive purposes. Several nights ago, as I was walking through a well-lighted, fenced-in parking lot to my truck, I was rudely awakened.
As I approached the truck, I saw a man stealing the tools that had been locked inside. He jumped in a car (which the police later determined to be stolen) and nearly ran me over while making his escape. Today, I note in the MetroNews section of your paper (Jan. 16) that someone whose car broke down on I-44 was shot to death when he returned to his car to find someone stealing the contents. I feel fortunate that I did not meet with this fate.
The man who stole the tools from my truck took from me the means by which I support my family. Unfortunately, that is not all he took; he also stole my sense of security. I am thankful that I live in a country which recognizes my right to have a firearm for self-defense. May it always be so.
ART PRUSIA
Virginia Beach, Jan. 16, 1996 by CNB