| CHL Holder Will Not Face Charges For Self-Defense Shooting |
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| Written by Jeff Garvas | |
| Friday, 17 November 2006 | |
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In October, Bennie Hall, Jr. started his car and allowed it to warm up in Cincinnati (Kennedy Heights) when a teenager attempted to steal it. Hall, an Ohio Concealed Handgun Licensee, shot the perpetrator as his car was bearing down on him. At the time of the incident, this website chose not to write about the story until the facts came out or the grand jury indicted Hall. When this story broke in October, Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters made a very interesting statement: "I don't want to live in a community where we're opening fire on shoplifters..." Today, clearly changing course, he announced in a press release (doc) that his office has not only determined that Hall was acting in self-defense, but that he will not face criminal charges either. (emphasis added below) Due to the rise in violence in his neighborhood and the fact his own grandson was a shooting victim right down the street, Mr. Hall had taken the proper steps to get a Concealed Carry Permit. Forensic evidence also confirms that at the time of the first shot, the car was moving directly towards Mr. Hall. This is consistent with the statements of Mr. Hall and a witness. It is the opinion of this office that Mr. Hall acted in self-defense and no charges will be filed against him.It is refreshing to see that the prosecutor's office truly investigated all of the facts in this case and came to the conclusion that self-defense was justified. Nobody wants to see someone die in a case like this -- especially a teenager, despite his criminal and threatening intentions. We must accept the fact that the perpetrator was threatening another life with a motor vehicle and Mr. Hall's reactions were justified. |