EUGENE, OR – An attempted armed robbery on Sunday evening at the Duck N Go convenience store in Eugene, Oregon, didn’t end the way the suspect expected. Instead of escaping with stolen goods, the criminal ended up in the hospital after the store owner, exercising his right to self-defense, shot him.

According to Eugene Police, the incident unfolded around 5 p.m. when the suspect pulled a gun on the store owner, trying to intimidate him. The owner, however, was prepared. With one swift move, he shot the armed robber, neutralizing the threat. The suspect was later transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the store owner was unharmed. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Local residents, including those from the nearby Stadium Park Apartments, reported hearing a single gunshot followed by the suspect screaming, “I don’t want to die!” Police arrived shortly after, handcuffing the suspect and allowing EMTs to render medical aid.

Oct. 27, 2024: A convenience store owner in Eugene, OR, shot and wounded a would-be robber who was armed with a gun. https://t.co/cDH5e0r0r2

— Defensive Gun Use Tracker (@DailyDGU) October 28, 2024

Oregon’s Tightening Gun Laws Complicate Self-Defense

While this story highlights the importance of being armed and prepared, it also exposes how Oregon’s recent gun control measures have made it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.

In recent years, Oregon has enacted stricter gun laws that raise significant barriers for responsible gun owners:

• Measure 114: Passed narrowly in 2022, this law requires gun owners to obtain a permit-to-purchase, undergo mandatory training, and pass background checks—adding unnecessary hurdles and delays for citizens looking to legally arm themselves.
• Magazine Capacity Limit: Measure 114 also bans the sale of magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds, a restriction that leaves citizens underpowered compared to armed criminals who don’t follow the law.
• Safe Storage Requirements: The state now mandates that firearms be securely stored or locked when not in use. While this might sound reasonable, in high-stress situations like the one at Duck N Go, such requirements could delay access to a firearm, costing precious seconds.
• Red Flag Laws: Oregon’s red flag law allows individuals’ firearms to be temporarily confiscated based on someone’s claim that they pose a risk, even if no crime has been committed—raising concerns about due process and the potential abuse of these orders against law-abiding gun owners.

These laws create a dangerous dynamic where criminals feel emboldened while responsible citizens are burdened by red tape. Had this store owner been caught without quick access to his firearm, the outcome could have been tragic. Incidents like this show that gun control laws only make it harder for the good guys to act when every second counts.

A Win for Self-Defense and a Warning for the Future

The store owner’s quick reaction is a prime example of how essential the right to self-defense is. In moments like this, the government can’t save you—it’s up to you to protect yourself. The owner’s firearm allowed him to neutralize the threat without waiting for police, and that decisive action made all the difference.

This incident sends a clear message: criminals don’t follow gun laws, but law-abiding citizens shouldn’t be punished for being prepared. With stricter regulations stacking up in Oregon, it’s more important than ever for gun owners to stay vigilant and fight for their rights.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. As details continue to emerge, one thing is certain: self-defense works, and armed citizens are often the first and last line of defense.