Guns in Public, and Out of Sight

Alan Simons and his family were riding their bikes in Asheville, N.C., when a driver, Charles Diez pulled up next to him and started berating him. Mr. Diez, who had a concealed weapon permit, shot at Mr. Simons.

By MICHAEL LUO
NYT

Alan Simons was enjoying a Sunday morning bicycle ride with his family in Asheville, N.C., two years ago when a man in a sport utility vehicle suddenly pulled alongside him and started berating him for riding on the highway.

Mr. Simons, his 4-year-old son strapped in behind him, slowed to a halt. The driver, Charles Diez, an Asheville firefighter, stopped as well. When Mr. Simons walked over, he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun.

“Go ahead, I’ll shoot you,” Mr. Diez said, according to Mr. Simons. “I’ll kill you.”

Mr. Simons turned to leave but heard a deafening bang. A bullet had passed through his bike helmet just above his left ear, barely missing him.

(More here.)