In a heartening incident in Centerville, Texas, a good Samaritan with a firearm came to the rescue when an elderly man was being assaulted inside the Woody’s Smokehouse restaurant. This incident has reignited the age-old debate about the importance of responsible gun ownership.
On August 14, 2023, Kevin Craig Anderson reportedly entered the restaurant in a “harassing manner.” What followed was a disturbing chain of events captured on surveillance video. Anderson aggressively approached customers and eventually entered the restroom, where he brutally assaulted an elderly man, leaving him unconscious on the tile floor.
Amidst this horrifying scene, a Licensed to Carry Holder, armed and trained to handle such situations, attempted to intervene to protect the unconscious victim. However, instead of backing down, Anderson turned his aggression towards the Good Samaritan, launching an attack that left the man on the floor, still under assault. Fearing for his life and the safety of others, the man made a split-second decision to fire two rounds, striking Anderson in the right arm. This decisive action caused Anderson to flee the restroom, exit the business, and ultimately flee the scene in his vehicle.
Authorities later located Anderson on the highway about 10 miles north of Woody’s. Due to his injuries, he was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, before being transferred to Houston’s Hermann Memorial Hospital. The identity of the elderly victim and the Good Samaritan remain undisclosed.
Diana Wood, co-owner of Woody’s Smokehouse, expressed her gratitude for law enforcement’s swift response and the capture of the attacker. During the incident, panic buttons within the store were activated, prompting her son to lead customers and staff to safety in the freezer.
This incident underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and the critical role armed individuals can play in deterring and stopping violent crimes. The Good Samaritan’s quick thinking and bravery may have saved a life that day. It serves as a powerful reminder that firearms in the hands of law-abiding citizens can be a force for good in protecting themselves and those around them.
As discussions about gun rights and self-defense continue, this incident highlights the importance of allowing responsible individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights. It also emphasizes the need for proper training and preparedness, enabling citizens to respond effectively when faced with dangerous situations. In Centerville, the presence of a good guy with a gun made all the difference in preventing a potential tragedy.
