In recent years, there has been a growing debate around gun control and the rights of citizens to carry firearms. The issue has been brought to the forefront once again following a recent incident outside a liquor store in Detroit, where a suspect was shot by a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) holder during a robbery.
According to reports, the incident took place in a parking lot outside a liquor store in Detroit. The suspect, who was armed with a gun, approached the CPL holder and demanded money. In response, the CPL holder drew his own firearm and shot the suspect. The suspect was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to a court filing, ShotSpotter picked up gunshots in the parking lot of Carmen’s Delicatessen just after 9:50 p.m. Feb. 8. When officers arrived, two people flagged them down. One man, Victim 1, had his hands over his head and said he had a concealed pistol license.
The pair told police that they went to the store and saw two men standing outside. One of those men was later identified as Joshua Fordham. They went into the store and were followed by Fordham and the other man.
Once they walked outside, Fordham, who was armed, allegedly followed the victims and threatened to kill Victim 2 if Victim 1 did not give him everything he had. Victim 1 said he gave Fordham his wallet. As Fordham was patting down Victim 1, he pulled out a gun and shot Fordham in the chest, the court filing said.
Surveillance video confirmed what the victims told police.
Fordham, who is a felon with previous convictions for armed robbery and firearms violations, is now charged with felon in possession of a firearm.
The 28-year-old Fordham is a convicted felon with prior armed robbery and weapons charges. He reportedly pleaded guilty to armed robbery in March 2014 and was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison, according to a Click 2 Detroit report. So, Fordham is not legally allowed to own a gun and is facing a charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm, but it is unclear whether any other offenses may be pending against him.
The incident has sparked a range of reactions from people on both sides of the gun control debate. Supporters of the CPL holder argue that he was exercising his right to self-defense and protecting himself from a potentially dangerous situation. They also point to the fact that the suspect was armed with a gun, which they say justifies the use of lethal force.