The Armed Citizen® August 25, 2023

A woman who feared for her life when a man attempted to pry open her car—while she was in it—used her firearm to defend herself.

by posted on August 25, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Drawing A Pistol

A North Carolina woman who feared for her life as a man attempted to get in her car used her firearm to defend herself, fatally wounding him. The incident is being described as road rage by the local media reports. The area's district attorney said the man followed the woman into a grocery store parking lot, got out of his car, approached her car and attempted to enter her vehicle. “She, acting in self-defense, shot and killed him," the D.A. said.

"I think what's really important here for people to understand is that provision in our law is not an invitation to vigilante justice, but it does allow when someone has a reasonable fear for imminent death or bodily injury that you're allowed to protect yourself," Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told ABC 11.

The aggressor was a 49-year-old man who tried to pry open the woman's car doors before she fired at him. The D.A. said police were able to corroborate the story by viewing video footage of the scene and interview witnesses.

"We were fortunate to have access to various video. Also, there were witnesses in the area that were able to give a pretty clear image as to what happened here," Freeman said.

The woman was legally armed and has no prior criminal history, according to reports.

Under North Carolina law, individuals are permitted "to use force to protect themselves when there is a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm," Freeman told the local press. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. (foxnews.com; Raleigh, N.C.; 8/7/23)

Latest

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.