Missouri man repels 3 robbers by firing hidden pistol

03/11/2004
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Robbers pointed a gun at Bryan Rutherford and demanded that he hand over valuables from his pickup Tuesday evening in Lemay.

Rutherford didn't pull out cash or jewelry. He pulled out a .22-caliber pistol hidden in his vehicle and opened fire in what authorities believe is the first instance of self-defense with a concealed firearm since the Missouri Legislature loosened the state's gun laws.

The man holding what turned out to be a BB gun on Rutherford was hit several times in the torso before he and two accomplices fled. Three suspects were later captured and charged.

Rutherford was uninjured.

"He shot a man holding a gun on him," said St. Louis County police Lt. Jon Belmar. "This appears justifiable use of force in defense of his own life."