Brandon Major came to an apartment complex parking lot around 8pm to buy a 10 carat nugget ring he found for $280 on OfferUp. While looking at his phone, the “seller,” a 13-year-old boy, pointed a blue laser at his chest from a handgun the 13-year-old was holding. Major gave the teen the money.
However, as the teen was walking away, Major drew his own pistol and fired at the teen. The teen fired back. A local camera caught some of the action.
Multiple nearby homes were hit, and the teen was hit in the leg. The news story captures pictures of bullet holes in the stucco, and bullets that traveled through multiple rooms of a nearby apartment.
Mesa police arrested both Major and the 13-year-old. Major is facing charges including Aggravated Assault, Endangerment, and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and the teen is facing several charges, including Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and Minor in Possession of a Firearm.
I noticed a few things in this story:
- First, Major was looking at his phone. This could have been from texting with the teen, coordinating the meet. However, it does reduce his awareness. Even though Major was armed, he was distracted, meaning he was not adequately prepared for the threat. Perhaps Major could have at least held a high candela flashlight in his hand, which he could have used to shine in the eyes of the teen as he approached? No guarantees there would have been a better outcome, but it might have given Major more control over the situation.
- Next is that the time and place of the meetup was also a risk. As the story points out, meeting in the daytime in a more secure area, such as near a police station, reduces risk of robbery.
- Additionally, when possible, bringing a backup could be advisable. However, remember that a potential robber could have a lookout as well, as in another of this week’s stories.
- It’s trivia, but how many blue lasers are there for pistols? I’m only aware of one, the BALDR-S BL.
- I’ve not owned a stucco house, but I thought the material would slow bullets more than it did in this case. I’ve known hollow-core doors were like paper, and this story shows that as well.
- I suspect Major is facing charges because the police thought he no longer was in subjective fear of death or grave bodily injury after the teen took his money and was walking away.
Thankfully, none of the neighbors were injured.
