Retired Marine 71 Years Old

[Old Marine]

Last week police were called to investigate and attempted armed robbery in South Florida.

The 71 year old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Plantation, FL. Subway shop late Wednesday, killing one and critically wounding the other, is described as John Lovell a former helicopter pilot for two presidents. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke and he works out everyday. Mr. Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night.

According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into a small restaurant at 1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 P.M. There was a lone diner, Mr. Lovell, who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men attempted to shove Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got his money, but then Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened fire. He shot one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head.

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 units found the other in the bushes of a nearby business. They also found cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department.

Both men were taken to the Broward General Medical Center, where one, Donicio Arrindell, 22 of North Lauderdale died. The, 21 year old Frederick Godson of Fort Lauderdale is in critical but stable condition.

A longtime friend of Lovell was not suprised to hear what happened. The friend said. "He'd give you the shirt off his back, but he'd be mad as hell if someone tried to take the shirt off you back."

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said. "He was in fear for his life." Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't intimidated by idiots."

Something tells me this old Marine wasn't in fear for his life, even though his life was definitely at risk. The only thing he could be charged with is participating in an unfair fight. One 71 year young Marine against two punks. Two head shots and one center body mass shot - outstanding shooting! That'll teach them not to get between a Marine and his meal.

Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

(Florida law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon. Every state should.)

[rb1651]

OUTSTANDING!!!! What else can you say? Semper Fi, Marine.

[AL49BGN]

OOORAH!!! Highly motivating.

[SSSmoke Eater]

I remember this happening because it was only about 5 miles from work. Absolutley great story however, this happened in 07.

[CplKJSpevak]

I Don't Care When It Happened, I'm So Motivated By It That My Head Is Going To Focking Burst!!!!!!!!!

[darkgreen0311]

Good for him, it reminds of another seventy something Marine who a robber tried to rob, and the robber ended up getting his azz whooped.








Semper Fi 4 Life
Give me liberty or i'll get it myself

[SGT7477]

Look what happens when you mess with a Marine,OOHRAH.

[Big Jim]

Dam right...more power to him and all of us if ever we should live so long!! Good story...it doesn't matter when it happened, I still like hearing stuff like this!!!

[SgtThrasher]

Dam right...more power to him and all of us if ever we should live so long!! Good story...it doesn't matter when it happened, I still like hearing stuff like this!!!

I agree Big Jim,the story is dated but it's heart warming to hear about a Marine doing the right thing.The old adage holds true today,"I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

[ecfree]

Mess With THE BEST,Die Like The Rest....

[ZSKI]

Good to go paps still a killer at 71. Though what happened? One lived

[rickyracer]

Ooohhrraahh ! ! !

[doc h fmf]

Godbless Him!!!!

[pocatellodave]

They got what they deserved!The anti-gun lobby would take guns from the citizens so the criminals would be the only ones armed,Bah!Outstanding job by the retired Gyrene.
Semper Fi

[hbharrison]

OOOOOOhRAAAAH