Patron Who Distracted Gunman Saved Others

[PinnedAndRecessed]

PISMO BEACH, Calif. - As a homeless man opened fire in a Denny's restaurant, a patron's decision to try to stop the gunman cost him his life, but allowed others to flee to safety, authorities said Thursday.

According to police, a surveillance video showed Harold Hatley, 73, leaving his seat at the counter and getting in the line of fire, which enabled others to flee.

"Like many brave soldiers and peace officers, Mr. Hatley was walking toward trouble rather than away from it," Police Chief Joe Cortez said.

The gunman, Lawrence E. Woods, shot and killed Hatley and 64-year-old Frank Velasquez, and wounded a married couple before he took his own life.

Investigators said they have found letters belonging to Woods that may give insight into why he opened fire. The letters were found in a car in which the 60-year-old man had been living and a storage locker he had used. His car was found in the restaurant parking lot, they said.

No details about the letters or notes were released.

Police described Woods as confrontational and paranoid. Authorities believe Woods may have been mentally ill and were trying to determine if he had any contact with San Luis Obispo County health officials, said police Cmdr. Jeff Norton.

Authorities were also trying to track down how he obtained the semiautomatic handgun and a revolver used in the shooting. Norton said at least one of the weapons was not registered to him.

Authorities said Woods had a narcotics conviction, and as a felon should not have had those guns or two others found among his belongings.

Witnesses said Woods was muttering and looked dazed before the lunchtime attack. After shooting Velasquez, witnesses told police that Woods said: "It's all Mid-State Bank's fault."

The bank said in a statement Thursday that as far as it knows Woods was not a customer.

Pismo Beach, a small town known for its beaches and clams, is in San Luis Obispo County, a 3 1/2-hour drive northwest of Los Angeles.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060317...qYKxnOs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MjBwMWtkBHNlYwM3MTg-

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Did you see this?

Authorities said Woods had a narcotics conviction, and as a felon should not have had those guns or two others found among his belongings.

Of course not, stupid. How utterly moronic!

Of course the bad guys have guns!

But, guess what, the good guys can't get a CCW in southern Kal. So they just wander around like sheeple hoping the law will protect them.

I thank the Lord I got out.

 

[odysseus]

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

 

[Husker1911]

I salute the bravery of Mr. Hatley. RIP

 

[GTSteve03]

Man, if I had to go, I'd want it to be like Mr. Hatley and jumping in the line of fire to save others.

Glad that at least he was 73 and had probably lived a good full life. RIP Mr. Hatley.

 

[cmidkiff]

I'll say prayer for the upstanding citizen and his family.

Too bad he wasn't armed.

 

[kirby]

First, I hope I'm never in this situation.
Second, if my hand is forced. I hope I would do the same thing as this guy.

 

[scout26]

Authorities believe Woods may have been mentally ill

Huh ??? Ya think ????


Mr. Hatley,

"He who saves but one life, saves the world entire."

RIP and thanks from a grateful citizen.

 

[Maxwell]

Seems to be the usual.
They ban guns, more people die, then they say "Whoops it didnt work... but arnt you glad we took Grandpas revolver?". :banghead:

 

[Red Tornado]

I wish Mr. Hatley could have carried a concealed weapon and had the chance to shoot back. Another upstanding example of an American Hero. The world is a poorer place today.
RT

 

[YellowLab]

What are the odds that Mr. Hatley was a veteran?