Illinois man armed with AR-15 stops attack against neighbor

OSWEGO, Ill. — An Illinois man armed with an AR-15 rifle stopped an attack against his neighbor at his apartment complex Monday, WGN reported.

Dave Thomas of Oswego Township said he saw one of his neighbors being attacked with a knife during an argument, police said. Thomas ran into his house, fetched his rifle and returned, ordering the attacker to stop.

“I poked my head out the door. There was a pool of blood, blood was everywhere in the hall,” Thomas told WGN. “There was still a confrontation going on, there were about three or four people involved at this point.

“So I ran back into my house and grabbed my AR-15. I grabbed the AR-15 over my handgun -- bigger gun, I think a little more of an intimidation factor. Definitely played a part in him actually stopping.”

The suspect left the area but was later captured by police, WGN reported. The stabbing victim was taken to the hospital.

Police said Thomas has a valid firearm owner's identification card and a concealed carry permit, WGN reported.

The AR-15 has been at the center of a gun control debate in the aftermath of a mass shooting at a Florida high school on Feb. 14 that left 17 people dead, including 14 students. The attacker used an AR-15, police said. Nikolas Cruz, 19, has been charged in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Thomas said the AR-15 was his “weapon of choice” for home protection.

“It's light, it's maneuverable. If you train and know how to use it properly, it's not dangerous,” Thomas told WGN.

Cox Media Group