Orlando, Florida

From Orlando‘s WFTV.com of June 19, 2007

Victim Wrestles Gun Away From Would-Be Carjacker

It was a close call for an Orange County man who was targeted by a would-be carjacker. Instead of handing over his wallet and keys, he fought back and wrestled away a gun from the bad guy on Orange Blossom Trail.

A swarm of patrol cars surrounded the 7-Eleven near downtown Orlando in response to a signal 43; officer needs help.

"It could have been disastrous, but fortunately the officer was able to ascertain who the victim was. The victim remained calm and put the gun down," said Lt. Sue Brown of the Orlando Police Department.

Around 2:00am Tuesday, a customer was confronted by a man with a gun who tried to steal his money and his car. But the victim didn't go down without a fight.

Police said somehow he was able to take the .40 caliber gun away from his assailant. During the struggle, the gun went off, but no one was hurt.

"I'm not sure I recommend this, but when you have a gun to your face you're gonna react. You're gonna do what you need to do to protect yourself. So he was able to struggle with the guy and disarm him," Brown said.

The unidentified attacker ran off empty handed. Police said they will review surveillance video from the convenience store and a business across the street to see if they can get a good description of him.

The gun was being fingerprinted to see if a possible match could be made to identify the attacker.