The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. 07/15/09

Just before 1p.m. an armed robber entered the basement of Danny Carlson’s home in Mableton, Ga. Once inside, the criminal encountered Carlson’s mother-in-law Margaret Parrish. The robber grabbed Margaret by the hair and put a gun to her head, telling her, “If you make a sound I’ll blow your brains out.”, then proceeded to tie her up. When Carlson’s father-in-law, John Parrish, went to the basement to look for his wife, he was also tied up. After moving upstairs, the criminal encountered a young child, whom he asked to lead him to any other adults in the house. As the criminal made his way to Carlson’s office, John freed himself and retrieved his .22-caliber revolver. John proceeded quietly up the stairs and confronted the criminal, firing at him three times. The criminal returned fire, striking Carlson once in the leg, then fled the scene. Police say that the criminal has not yet been captured, but may have been wounded by the gunfire. As a result of the incident, Margaret has a deeper appreciation for armed self-defense, with John noting, “My Wife never did want me to keep my gun loaded… But now she said she does.”