Gun store owner ambushed by three; shoots one

OFCC received two donations this week in memory of Zane Wilson. May his memory live in the free exercise of the rights he took up arms to protect no less than TWO times in his life. The following was adapted from a March 4 Columbus Dispatch story.

3 men charged in gun-store slaying
Clintonville shop owner shot, injured attacker, police say

Zane Wilson, 74, was shot and killed on February 27 in his store, Zanes Gun Rack, 4167 N. High St. in Columbus, but not before returning fire and wounding one of his three attackers.

In the days that followed, police arrested Clifford Morefield, 18, Robert A. Oliver, 18, and Jamel Curtis, 21, all of Columbus. Charges against the men include aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.

Police said Wilson, a gunner’s mate on a battleship during World War II, returned fire and hit Morefield in the shoulder.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

Witnesses saw Morefield carrying several rifles out of the store, police said in court. Police also indicated he went to Riverside Methodist Hospital to be treated for the bullet wound, a move which tipped police off to his whereabouts.

Columbus police said Oliver was the getaway driver for two gunmen accused in the shooting death of Zane Wilson.

Nick Sardis, a longtime friend of Wilson’s who lives on the East Side, said he was pleased that Wilson was able to shoot one of his assailants.

"Zane’s a hero for what he did," Sardis said. "The poor soul, he’s in heaven."

Last week, police searched a home at 2011 Denune Ave. on the North Side, where they found the rest of the guns taken from Wilson’s store.

It is one of at least five searches homicide detectives have done as part of the investigation. The warrants were sealed, and police have declined to talk about what else they’ve found.

Commentary:
Note to gun controllers: THIS is how bad guys get guns. Notice that they didn't bother with a NICS background check. Notice that a mandatory waiting period would not have made a bit of difference to them. And yet groups like Americans For Gun "Safety" want us to believe it is the gun store owner who is evil.

Obituary:
WILSON Zane R.
Wilson, 78, died on February 27, 2004. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy during WW II aboard the battleship U.S.S. Nevada (BB-36). In the firearms business since 1945, he was the owner of Zanes Gun Rack, in it's current location since 1959. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Guild Athletic Club, FlyTown Club, Co-founder and member of the Italian American War Vets (ITAM) Emilio Marasco Post 35, and several other clubs and organizations. He is survived by his loving wife.

Complete Columbus Dispatch story

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