semper fi
Plantation, FL
Last week police were called to investigate an attempted armed
robbery: The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers
at a Plantation, FL, 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.
A longtime friend of Lovell was not surprised to hear what happened.
The friend said, ''He'd give you the shirt off his back, but he'd be mad
as hell if someone tried to take the shirt off his back.''
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?
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