Note: We are republishing this story amid reports of a rise in violent crime and robberies across America during the pandemic.
Adric White, 18, thought he had control when he barged into a Family Dollar, brandishing a gun and demanding cash from the cashier. Holding the employees at gunpoint, White felt powerful as he barked orders, his ego inflated with every demand they met. But his attempt at a robbery quickly unraveled when a Good Samaritan with a legal concealed-carry permit stepped in, turning the tables on the would-be thief.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the Good Samaritan, arriving on the scene, drew his own weapon and ordered White to freeze. But White wasn’t ready to let go of his moment of power. Instead of obeying, he spun around to face the man with the gun. That split-second move proved to be a fatal mistake. The Good Samaritan fired five shots, hitting White and subduing him long enough for others to restrain him and remove his weapon.
White survived the gunshot wounds and was later treated at the hospital. However, his pride took the hardest hit. After recovering, he was charged with armed robbery. When his family found out, they were outraged, questioning why the Good Samaritan had been allowed to shoot White. They argued that the bystander had no right to intervene and should have simply stayed out of it.
The family contended that the Good Samaritan’s actions were unnecessary, suggesting that he should have turned away instead of getting involved. However, given that White was actively threatening the lives of employees and waving his gun around, it was determined that the Good Samaritan’s response was reasonable. When faced with a direct threat, the bystander had every right to defend the lives of those at risk, even if it meant using force.
Despite the family’s objections, the situation was clear: White’s reckless attempt to rob the store had put lives in danger, and the intervention of the concealed carrier had potentially saved those lives. White and his family may not have liked the outcome, but the reality is that White was lucky to escape with his life after bringing a weapon into a dangerous situation.
It remains unclear exactly where White was hit by the five bullets, but he is currently in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. He should consider himself fortunate—many others in his position wouldn’t have been as lucky.
The Good Samaritan, who wishes to remain anonymous, has made it clear that this was his first time ever using his concealed carry in such a situation, and while he doesn’t regret his decision to act, he expressed sorrow that it had to escalate to gunfire. We respect his desire for privacy and have honored his request not to disclose his name.
