Markley's customer robbery/shooting (Nov? 2012)

[anyracoon]

Not good!

WATSONVILLE, Calif- What started out as an average day at the Markley's Gun Range in Watsonville turned scary for a 38 year old man and his 46 year old father-in-law, Sunday afternoon.

According to Watsonville Police, the two men from Santa Cruz were shooting at the range when they decided to go home and loaded their weapons into the back of their vehicle.

After doing so, they were approached by a man wearing a bandana and armed with a handgun, demanding their weapons.

The 38 year old man fled the scene soutbound on Vic Rugh Ln. but the 46 year old stayed and faught the suspect, grabbing the handgun and struggling with him briefly until the suspect broke free of the man's grasp.

The suspect then began chasing the 38 year old and shot at him multiple times, hitting the man in the leg.

After the suspect shot at the man, a black or dark green Acura picked him up on Vic Rugh and fled the scene, towards Freedom Blvd from Gardener Ave.

The vehicle was described as being black or dark green in poor condition, year sometime between 88-92 with a rear tinted window that was bubbling.

The suspect's are still on the loose, at this time.

The 38 year old man who was shot was flown to a Bay Area hospital but is expected to be fine

[troutbum54]

Not saying it didn't happen that way, but the whole story is kind of strange. Why would son in law run away leaving father in law to scuffle with the BG? And then why would BG take off after the guy who ran away instead of shooting the father in law and then taking their guns. Which is what I thought the BG(s) wanted in the first place.
Any ways I hope they catch them soon.

[avu3]

http://watsonville.patch.com/articles/men-robbed-one-shot-leaving-gun-range-6c4224fc

[the415sessions]

Not saying it didn't happen that way, but the whole story is kind of strange. Why would son in law run away leaving father in law to scuffle with the BG? And then why would BG take off after the guy who ran away instead of shooting the father in law and then taking their guns. Which is what I thought the BG(s) wanted in the first place.
Any ways I hope they catch them soon.

Definitely sounds gang related, almost like the BG knew the people he was robbing. There is more to this and I am sure in a few days we will get the whole story.

[Tank 57]

Description of suspects is kind of odd.Height,weight,age.Something missing.

[CycloSteve]

Just heard this on the news.

Simply put, the BG knows that the typical GG leaving the range has his firearm unloaded and properly cased per the law, and is likely not carrying since only 26 people in Santa Cruz County have an LTC. Easy way to get another firearm for the gang-banger.

Unfortunately there is not much a law abiding person can do in this situation, unless they have another less-than-lethal option, or LTC. Too bad the GG was not also LE, as the situation may have turned out different.

[SilverTauron]

Unfortunately,this tactic is nothing new. The bad guys in the 1986 Miami shootout stole their Ruger Mini 14 and getaway car from an unfortunate victim who was shooting by himself in a Florida clay pit. Matix and Platt ambushed the citizen at the shooting range, then stole his car and weapons which were later used to deadly effect against the FBI.


For that reason I never shoot without a loaded pistol on me at all times. I remember what its like to walk to your car unarmed with hundreds of dollars of weaponry in your hand and no means to secure it.It wasn't a good memory. Right to carry is a truly priceless right.

[T O Double D]

I've been wondering when this would happen. I shoot at Markley's a fair amount and getting to and from my truck with my guns and ammo locked up is a bit scary to me. I always look for potential threats and move with a purpose when outside. I mean we're prime targets. The BGs know that we not only have guns and ammo, but because of the law we have to keep them locked while transporting making them useless.

[T O Double D]

Description of suspects is kind of odd.Height,weight,age.Something missing.

I noticed that as well. It is on the KSBW story though...

http://www.ksbw.com/news/central-california/santa-cruz/Police-search-for-2-men-in-Watsonville-shooting/-/5738976/17628640/-/format/rsss_2.0/-/omp1aqz/-/index.html

Unfortunately,this tactic is nothing new. The bad guys in the 1986 Miami shootout stole their Ruger Mini 14 and getaway car from an unfortunate victim who was shooting by himself in a Florida clay pit. Matix and Platt ambushed the citizen at the shooting range, then stole his car and weapons which were later used to deadly effect against the FBI.


For that reason I never shoot without a loaded pistol on me at all times. I remember what its like to walk to your car unarmed with hundreds of dollars of weaponry in your hand and no means to secure it.It wasn't a good memory. Right to carry is a truly priceless right.

I couldn't agree more. I always have a loaded gun on me when I'm shooting in the woods. A similar story to the one you posted happened to my uncle. The differance being he returned fire and left with all of his guns.

[NSR500]

Exactly why I never shoot alone or walk back to my car unarmed.

[mjh4828]

Wow My gf and I were there around 4 today. She was tired from a long drive and stayed in the car to sleep. I did not notice a thing. scary.

[uhlan1]

Geez, I was shooting there this afternoon. Got there around 3:30 or so. Didn't see or hear a thing. Always carry a taser and am cautious leaving there (it is a terrific range, but the whole city is gangtown, 1000 of them ), but I have to think now about taking my wife there. Also should probably reduce what I carry in and out of there.
Bloody government leaves us as sheep to wolves. I despise this state more and more every day and the people who run it and the people who vote them in.
Wonder if I can get ear muffs for my GSD.

[uhlan1]

My wife is going to freak. Every range trip there is going to be a struggle. Why couldn't i marry a woman who doesn't read the paper or watch the news, why!

[patrickcondon22]

It's a shame to hear it. I love shooting at Markley's as it's the only range closer than an hours drive

[NickMc]

Yikes! I've wondered about this. I'm glad that Reed's seems to always have a LEO or two practicing.