Published: May 02, 2007 01:48 pm            

Gun-carrying Wal-Mart shopper comes forward

CLINTON — A man who walked into Wal-Mart Monday morning with a handgun tucked into his waistband has been found.

Clinton Police Sgt. Terry St. Ores said the man in question contacted police on Tuesday to make sure officials were aware that he had a proper permit to legally carry a weapon. The police department would not reveal the man’s identity — he was not arrested — but St. Ores said the gun was related to the individual’s occupation and no violation of the law occurred.

This morning, the man contacted the Clinton Herald to detail what happened at the store that day.

“I weighed my actions before going into the store, and gave consideration to the repercussions of my actions. And I feel I made the right decision.”

“Mick” (not his real name) is a licensed gun owner, with a permit to carry a weapon. As a gemstone dealer by trade, he often carries large amounts of jewels or cash as part of his daily business. So he feels the need for the security carrying a gun provides.

Mick emphasizes he has had all the extensive training given to state and local law enforcement, as well as martial arts training. And he states his 10 mm laser-equipped pistol is always secured in its holster in the small of his back when he is carrying his weapon in public view.

The gemstone dealer “admits the cause for concern” over his Wal-Mart shopping on Monday, but feels he “made the better of two choices” when weighing whether to leave his gun in his vehicle or bring it into the store on his person. “When I explained it to the commander at the police station, he agreed, saying he, too, felt I made the right choice,” adds Mick.

He continued his defense of his decision, stating he often carries the gun in public view “as a deterrence factor” to potential robbers. But he maintains his position is one of “public safety is the most important factor.”

That may be why Mick has a lot to say about the Wal-Mart response to this incident.

“I found out from the police that Wal-Mart managers assigned two or three employees to tail me throughout the store, rather than have their security approach me or call the police,” he said incredulously.

“They not only put their employees at risk, they left all their customers at risk, too.”

Mick showed a time-stamped receipt from the store (he’d purchased some groceries and pet supplies) indicating he checked out at 11:13 a.m. — which seems to support a lag in time before police were summoned to the store.

In retrospect, Mick again says he “understands the general public’s fear,” but adds he felt he exhibited no behaviors that would indicate ill intent.”

And he states he would handle the situation in the same way if he had it to do over. At press time the Clinton Herald was in the process of interviewing Wal-Mart officials, their comments will be featured in a story in Thursday’s Clinton Herald.

        

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