A mother who left her three children inside her car while she made a quick run into a Family Dollar store came back to find that a woman unknown to her sitting in the car. Worried for her children's safety, she ordered the woman, reportedly in her 30s, to leave, but she refused. It was then that the mother allegedly drew her pistol and fired at the intruder, hitting her. The wounded woman exited the vehicle and walked into the store for help. She was taken to the hospital for treatment, and remains in custody. Witnesses say that prior to the incident at the parking lot, the woman had been standing in the middle of the road, blocking traffic. A driver who slowed down to avoid her had his window smashed by her. That driver then traveled to a nearby gas station and called police. The incidents are under investigation. (abc13.com; Houston, Texas; 12/30/22)
A man who was riding in a car with a woman began to physically and verbally assault her, according to police reports. He then allegedly reached for a weapon, threatening the woman. In fear for her life, the woman fired her own handgun in self-defense, injuring him. After the man was released from the hospital, he was booked into the county detention center. As of press time, no other charges had been filed. (foxcarolina.com; Piedmont, S.C.; 1/3/ 2023)