This is a situation that we talk about a lot but one that rarely receives publicity. At a sports bar in Arlington, Texas last week, a man walked in and fatally shot the manager. A concealed carry permit holder took control of the situation and shot the shooter. Here’s what happened.
Officials say 48-year-old James Jones walked into Zona Caliente sports bar in Arlington on Wednesday evening and fatally shot the manager, 37-year-old Cesar Perez. Witnesses told police that Jones verbally confronted Perez before killing him, although it wasn’t clear if the two knew each other. A customer who was carrying a handgun under Texas law then shot Jones.
We talk a lot about NOT carrying a gun in a bar because of the potential for violence when guns and alcohol mix. But in this case, Texas law allows a licensed gun owner to carry a concealed handgun in a restaurant/bar that makes less than 51 percent of its income from liquor sales. The concealed carrier, who hasn’t been identified, appears to be within the law.
Having his gun on him may have spared more loss of life. It’s possible that the manager would have been the only one targeted but we can’t be sure. We are glad that no one else as hurt. If you do decide to carry your gun in a bar, use utmost caution. And don’t pull it out unless there’s a real need, as in this case.
Image of the Arlington street where the bar shooting took place from breitbart.com
