Joe Willie On The Shrimpbox: Unfair Fight

UNFAIR FIGHT
Don't Mess With A Marine Who's Trying To Eat Police investigate
the scene - The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two
robbers at a Plantation, FL , sub shop late Wednesday, killing one and
critically wounding the other, is described as John Lovell, a former
pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he works
out everyday. 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 -- Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier,
the two men attempted to shove Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as
well. They got his money. But then Lovell pulled hi s handgun, opened
fire, shooting 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 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.
''He'd give you the shirt off his back and he'd be mad if someone
tried to take the shirt off your back,'' he said. Lovell worked as a
pilot f o r the Marines, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and
Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta.
Lovell is not married and does not have children. He is not expected to
be charged, authorities said ''He was in fear for his life,'' 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" 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 - good shooting!.
That'll teach them not to get between a Marine and his meal. Don't you
just love a story with a happy ending?

(Florida law allows law abiding citizens to carry a concealed weapon.)