Semper Fi

Retired Marine and former Pan Am/Delta Pilot John Lovell is Top Gun at Subway Sandwich Shop Plantation, Florida:

Last week police were called to investigate an armed robbery: The 71-year-old
retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation, Florida, Subway
shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described
as John Lovell, a former helicopter pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink,
he doesn't smoke, and he works out every day. Mr. Lovell was a man of action
Wednesday night.

According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway at
1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner, Mr. Lovell, who
was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove
Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money, but then
Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened fire. He shot one of the thieves in the
head and chest and the other in the head.

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 Units found
the other in the bushes of a nearby business. They also found cash strewn around
the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective Robert Rettig of the
Plantation Police Department.

Both men were taken to the Broward General Medical Center , where one,
Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died. The other, 21-year-old
Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents
John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am
and Delta Airlines.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said. ''He was in fear for his life,''
Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize that most men in their
70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots."

Something tells me this old Marine wasn't "in fear for his life", even though his
life was definitely at risk. The only thing he could be charged with is participating
in an unfair fight. One 71- year young Marine against two punks. Two head shots
and one center body mass shot.

Outstanding shooting! That'll teach them not to get between a Marine and his meal.

Florida law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon.
Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

Old people don't fight, they just shoot you.

Submitted by Paul Hickenbottom