Police: Man, 70, guns down teen who snatched jewelry The Associated Press <!-- begin body-content -->PHILADELPHIA -- A 70-year-old man chased down and killed a 19-year-old man whom he accused of snatching a chain from the older man's neck, police said. Barry D. Mason was charged with homicide after the 2:50 a.m. Friday slaying of Jamil Burton on a Center City street known for its antique shops. Witness Fred Walz said he saw Burton ditch his bike in an alley and take off on foot. The other man, driving the wrong way, knocked him down with his vehicle and then got out and started shooting, Walz said. "I ran over there to help him, and the driver of the car got out and started putting bullets in his head," Walz told KYW-AM. A nearby police officer heard the shots and arrived to find Mason standing over the victim and shooting at him, Inspector Joseph M. Mooney said. Police believe Burton had approached Mason, who was sitting in his car with the window rolled down, and after a brief conversation stole a chain with a ring on it from Mason's neck and fled on a bike, Mooney said. When Mason caught up with Burton, he demanded the jewelry back as he fired at the younger man, who was unarmed, police said. <!-- end body-content -->
The elderly gentleman did the right thing, getting a petty thief under control. A bit heavy handed, maybe, but there will be no further escalation as the perp's wants get bigger. Darwin works in strange ways.
So when are they awarding the old guy the keys to the city? Sounds to me like he needs an award for his public service.
Look forward to seeing more commentary on this guys actions from the anti-gun peoples and the 'he wasn't really a criminal' platoon. Seems this guy was a little heavy handed, though you do have the choice of which gun to use.
