MADISON (WKOW) — A Black Earth man who was openly carrying multiple firearms on State Street Monday had one of the weapons taken from him during an argument.
Melvin F. Bogus, 39, no permanent address, was arrested for second degree reckless endangerment, theft, possession of firearm by felon, possession of cocaine and bail jumping after grabbing the weapon from the man police say was legally carrying his weapons in the open.
Officers responded about 7:30 p.m. to a report of the suspect pointing a handgun at the victim and made contact with the victim who had been openly carrying multiple firearms.
Officers learned that there was a verbal exchange between the suspect and the victim when the suspect forcibly removed a holstered handgun from the victim.
During the argument, the suspect asked, “Why you wanna kill people.” The gunman responded saying he was armed because it was his right, and it was for protection.
It was around this time that the suspect closed distance between he and the victim, according to police.
He grabbed and yanked a holstered handgun from the victim’s body. The suspect pointed the loaded weapon at the victim, and the victim – in turn – pulled his long gun and pointed it at the suspect.
Police were called, and Bogus was arrested.
ONE OF THE PITFALLS OF OPEN CARRY IS WEAPON RETENTION!
While open carry is a right, concealed carry is better for a number of reasons. Weapon Retention is just one example of the problems you may face when carrying openly. You also make yourself a primary target. The person with an exposed gun will be the first person taken out on a criminal / terrorist bent on killing. Once the armed individual is down, no one is there to immediately stop them.
Have you been trained on how to protect your firearm if you are carrying openly or concealed? This is something we discuss in WPC’s CCW and Defensive Pistol classes.