A woman’s screams caught the attention of an unnamed hero on August 30th in Tazewell County, Virginia. Armed with a 9mm handgun, the Good Samaritan moved swiftly toward danger, putting himself in harm’s way to protect the life of a stranger and her child. Unknowingly coming face to face with a suspect already wanted on two outstanding warrants, the harrowing confrontation unfolded.

Moments earlier at a Lee’s Kar-Go convenience store, the suspect, 30-year-old Cody Dailey, forcefully attempted to seize control of a truck, assaulting the female driver and terrifying the woman’s child, saying, “I’m going to rape your mommy.” Before the heinous threat or worse could be carried out, with a sense of duty, obligation and clarity that organizations like Brady United, Everytown and March for Our Lives could never understand, the courageous Good Samaritan’s voice rang out, confronting the attacker and ordering him to stop immediately. 

Hearing the commands, the suspect responded by turning his aggression on the Good Samaritan, charging and shoving him to the ground despite the presence of a firearm. In an act of unrelenting criminal and “Walking Dead” zombie-like disposition, Dailey continued to advance upon the armed citizen, who finally decided, not today Satan. While our Good Samaritan had exercised restraint until this point, electing to attempt de-escalation before violence, the suspect overruled him, compelling the citizen to discharge his firearm one time, providing a complimentary body modification procedure upon Dailey’s chest.

Hearing the gunshot, law enforcement officers in the vicinity, responded and quickly arrived on the scene. Dailey received a taxpayer-funded airlift to nearby Roanoke for medical treatment, where he is reported to be in stable condition. In light of the attempted carjacking, assault, and terrorizing of an innocent child, Roanoke authorities and detectives are seeking additional charges against Dailey including abduction, carjacking and assault and battery. 

Sheriff Brian Hieatt expressed gratitude to the citizen hero for his courageous actions that day.

“Thank goodness for the Good Samaritans that came to the victim’s aid during her time of need. We are grateful for their desire to intercede on her behalf. Had they not acted, this could have been a very different outcome,” the sheriff told WDBJ news.

This incident, and many others like it are shining examples of the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and the lifesaving role that firearms play when in the hands of good human beings. Bravery, quick thinking and being equipped to confront evil ruled the day here, preventing tragedy from befalling a woman and her young child.