MARRERO, LA — An armed patron at a Marrero bar and grill intervened during an early morning armed robbery, shooting and wounding a masked gunman who had just stolen money from the business. The incident occurred around 4:29 a.m. at a bar in the 5600 block of Fourth Street, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO).
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Terrell Miles of Harvey, entered the bar wearing a ski mask and gloves, brandished a firearm, and demanded money. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash from behind the counter, Miles was shot by a legally armed patron acting “in defense of others,” said JPSO spokesperson Sgt. Brandon Veal.
Miles was struck in the abdomen and transported to University Medical Center in New Orleans, where he remains hospitalized in stable condition. He faces charges of armed robbery and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. No other injuries were reported.
The armed patron, whose identity has not been released, is not facing any criminal charges at this time, authorities confirmed.
Legal Gray Areas for Concealed Carry in Bars and Gun-Free Zones
Louisiana law prohibits carrying a firearm into establishments where the primary purpose is the sale and consumption of alcohol (Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:95.5). While the business name includes “Grill,” photographs and online reviews suggest that Side Pocket Bar & Grill may operate more as a bar, which would make carrying a concealed firearm there illegal under state law.
Adding to the complexity, the establishment also displays a “Drug Free Gun Free Zone” sign near its entrance. While such signs might discourage firearm possession, they do not explicitly ban firearms from the premises or necessarily carry the force of law in Louisiana. This ambiguity highlights the importance of understanding both state laws and the specific policies of businesses where you carry.
Had prosecutors chosen to pursue charges against the armed patron, they could have potentially cited the prohibition on firearms in alcohol-serving establishments. While the defensive use of force was justified in this case, carrying a concealed firearm into a location that prohibits it—even inadvertently—can lead to legal complications for gun owners.
What Concealed Carriers Can Learn
This incident underscores the importance of knowing the laws in your state—or any state you are carrying in. Even in a situation where the use of force is legally justified, being in a prohibited location could result in charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm. These charges could complicate or overshadow an otherwise justified defensive act.
In Louisiana, gun owners should be cautious about carrying in bars, gun-free zones, or other restricted areas. Always research the laws and regulations in your state, and pay attention to posted signage when entering a business. Avoiding legal pitfalls is as important as being prepared to defend yourself or others.
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