An Alabama truck driver was shot this week over a parking dispute that started when he parked his truck outside his mother’s home in a residential neighborhood. The victim, 25-year-old Desmond Flanagan, was shot twice in the chest by a local resident who acted as a sort of unofficial neighborhood watch.
It appears that the victim was moving his truck from the driveway into the street in order to let his girlfriend move the garbage cans and pick up the mail. The assailant, 74-year-old Livingston Wells, pulled his vehicle behind the truck, blocking his path. There are some conflicting reports as to what happened next, but most sources are reporting that Wells opened fire on Flanagan while approaching his truck.
According to Flanagan’s girlfriend, Flanagan exited his truck, punched Wells in the face and then started running away. Wells emptied his clip at the fleeing Flanagan, but didn’t hit him again. Flanagan’s girlfriend jumped on Wells’ back, who then turned and tried to fire on her as well.
“I jumped on his back to stop him from shooting at my boyfriend. He turns the gun on me and he tries to shoot me, but by then the clip was empty,” she said in an interview with the local Fox News station, WBRC.
At that point, neighbors stepped in to help restrain Wells until the authorities arrived.
According to county police, Wells had issued complaints about the truck in the past, but there had never been any violence until this incident.
Despite the two gunshot wounds, Flanagan is in stable condition at a local hospital.
Wells was charged with two counts of attempted murder and was put under a $90,000 bond. The bond was paid and Wells was released from jail. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Next Story: Explosion Rips A Hole In The Roof Of A Trucking Company, Kills 1
Source: myfoxal, al, cbs, tuscaloosanews
People are just plain nutty..leave the truckers alone and go about your business of living..stop the hatred you are no better than the next person..
When are we going to wake up and put a stop to the these armed “unofficial neighborhood watch” cop-wannabes? Every time one of these cowboys shoots someone, they should go directly to jail and stay…no bail… there until the trial is over and a judge and jury decide if they are fit to walk among us again.
Mark,
You right, and you are wrong. Many folks who walk among us have no moral compass; nor sense in their head. Why an armed man would shoot an unarmed man, over a good pistol whoop’n, kinda disqualifies him as being a cowboy; don’t it?
innocent until proven guilty dude. just because you relate to the victim doesn’t negate our judicial system. what if at the end you find he’s not guilty? i guess oh well huh?
Well… who are you to say who can have a gun and cannot have one?? I don’t approve of this action. Do a mental evaluation before sale.
You mean, since real cops aren’t shooting innocents these days?
People are loosing their minds. I just wish people would realize how important us truck drivers are to them & everyday life. They treat us badly no matter which way we turn. Whatever happened to don’t bite the hand that feeds you?!!!??
we are important to the life of this country. But we can not be bullying our neighbors and others just because we feel our position in life gives us the right.
By any chance was it a refer, that ran all night?
If it was in his driveway at his house, surely it was bobtail. I wouldn’t bring a reefer home with me. The company can figure out what to do with their junk while I’m off the clock.
What the?
It doesn’t matter doug. They show no respect on road but want to go to gas station n buy the gas or walmart to buy groceries.. they have no clue how it gets there.
Drivers do way too much for way too little. I’m just glad I had sense enough to give it up. Being treated as a criminal is no way to live (driving OTR).
man you ain’t lying. i just started and i can see what a terrible occupation this is. i plan to sock away a few thousand get a 16 ft box truck and do residential moves where you are actually appreciated. And from my experience end up making more money.
Nothing here about what kind of truck. Headlines make it sound like a CMV. BS reporting by unknowing poor reporters. I am assuming it was a pick up truck if the driver was 25 .
I’m 25 I’ve been driving for 4 years, when I visit my parents I park in the driveway behind my dads Pete. At my house I park on a dead end road. So let me get this straight.. Cause he’s young it means he’s not allowed to to drive a semi?
http://www.alabamas13.com/story/25429837/74-year-old-man-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-tuscaloosa
Story here…18 wheeler..Not a pickup as you say….
Gordon…why do you assume it was a pickup truck? A 25 year old is old enough to drive a semi….think before you comment next time.. please! And I am sure it was just the tractor if he was in the driveway first…..unless, of course it was a long-g-g-g-g-g-g driveway!
You only need to be 21 to drive a cmv across state lines. 18 if you stay in state
I’m a member of the NRA, but I’m rethinking at least some of their stance. I no longer think that absolutely everyone has a right to own a gun just because they are U.S. Citizens. This is a classic example. More and more bozos these days think that every problem needs to be solved with a firearm.
I used to believe in NRA too ! not anymore. i dont believe everyone should have right to own guns!!! And when They began defending people owning machine guns>>???? who the hell needs them on the streets? i stopped being NRA! there is no reason to have them, own them, or need to target practice with them.>>> Joint the Army if you want them.
As for story of this driver> just why on earth did this bother the neighbor? its called mind your own business, and be glad there is at least some good old drivers out there bringing your food etc. to your stores. i do understand there is a lot of trash out there, but i did not read where this driver ran over his yard, bushes,parked in his driver way, hit his house or car, etc. But none of this even is a reason for a fight or guns. not to mention minding someones elses business. Sad what the world and trucking industry is coming to.
The NRA stopped being reasonable a long time ago. They…or at least the management, not all the rank-and-file members…have become a radical organization dedicated to the idea that everyone should be able to own whatever type of weapon they want, carry it wherever they want, and use it whenever they want. I own a gun, and I support the right of law-abiding citizens to keep one in their home for protection and or to hunt. But you’ll never convince me that anyone has the constitutional right to own an automatic weapon, a weapon meant for combat, a 50 shot clip, or cop-killer bullets. They support the idea that a background check is an evil thing, and that any limitations whatsoever are an infringement on the 2nd Amendment. B.S. It would be poetic justice if Wayne LaPierre were to catch one right in his smarmy lying mouth.
All the media has to do is convince people that every gun is one of those things, and you all fall for it and wind up with nothing. Then it won’t be one crazy old man up the street, it’ll be the government running tanks through your house cause they can.
They have internet in your bunker, eh? Any black helicopters show up yet?
I totally agree with this!!!
There have always been detractors to the 2nd Amendment. Usually those who fail to understand the meaning of it. That is, to defend our rights, and our homes from repressive government. This freedom and trust comes with enormous responsibility, and consequences.
You are not alone in thinking that we have no need for such tools. But under the 2nd Amendment, its not about need. Its about the ability to posses, regardless of what others think.
IF you don’t want these items. I encourage you to forgo purchasing them. But I also encourage you to stay out of the way of those who do desire to posses them. Its not your place to tell me or others, what we can or cannot have. The Constitution allows us to have them. IF, we are legally allowed to. meaning that we must be of age, with an acceptable criminal background.
I agree, this is exactly what the 2nd amendment means and to many do not understand this. Everybody has the mentality that the government won’t ever need to be pit in check by the civilian populous. I bet the Europeans thought the same way back in the 1930’s, do I need to finish that clip of history?
Also a common mistake that was above a couple post. A clip is used in very very few weapons IE M1 grand, 8mm Mouser and only a couple others. Magazines are what your talking about and to add to this whole mag capacity thing, I can speed reload a 10 shot mag just as fast as amy other only difference is I have to do it more often than a 30 round mag. I practiced for hours and hours for many days during my 4 year enlistment…..
I don’t see a problem with me owning whatever kind of firearm I want. If I apply for my class III and have cleared all checks, why should I not be allowed to own one?
Ok .. aka jd.. When a man comes into your home or multiple men and are going to rob you and hurt your family n you are in a room with a revolver. What u gonna do?? It’s trash like u that need harm done to your family to realize the real truth about guns.
I aggree!
Gramps probably got tired waiting for somebody to change his diaper and the working man was just closest by.
Your comment about gramps was very unnecessary and childish. It shows the your are not a responsible thinker. People that need there diaper changed are mostly taken care of by responsible family of are in an assisted living home.
I was the owner of a assisted living home. not all residents were old people.
$90k for 2 attempted murders, are you kidding me? What the hell does a 74 year old doing driving and even better why does he have weapons? People of that age are in medications and should not be behind a wheel or a gun! This country is all ducked up!
One of girlfriend coworkers was arrested for racketeering/drug(pills) chargers and her bond was $260k Smh… crazy place we live in
Danny I drove semi till I was 73. 600 + miles per day 4 days per week, on a tight schedule.
I was not all doped up like some of the younger drivers.
Any medications I was on were permitted and prescription, diabetes pills.
I still drive my pick-up and have no tickets or accidents. My eyesight is great, my heart is great and my reflexes are still there.
Who are you to judge me? Hows your Dad doing?
I hold a CCW/CPL issued by the state of Michigan and I can shoot straight.
Well, I’m 64 & have been driving a goodly chunk of the last 34 years. About three million plus miles later, with no accidents and only an Ohio speeding ticket, about 20 years ago, for doing 57 back when the truck speed limit on the interstates was 55. When I look at some of these poor, grossly obese, guys who are 30 years younger that I can still run rings and circles about and I just have to shake my head and wonder. Age is not the issue. Mental state is the issue. In this case, this guy that pulled the gun on the trucker and his girl friend sounds like he probably has some issues. Because you get the occasional loon like this, is no reason to think gun rights for citizens should be further curtailed or restricted. The assailant, in this case, was arrested and will go to trial. This is how it’s supposed to work. Meanwhile, God willing, millions of citizens of all ages and economic classes will be able to continue to protect their lives and property with firearms. If that changes, then we’re all really screwed.
I couldn’t agree with you more!
And this is the land of the free… what. A place
Where you own a house but you can’t park a commercial vehicle or put a nail on a wall
Sad to be own and controlled by a system
Gordon A. Why would you assume it was a pick up truck cause the driver was 25?? Mostly was a cmv based on local new stories I’ve read. You comment makes no sense considering yoi can get your cdl at 18 and drive intrastate just can’t driver interstate until 21.
I dont see why he would have to move the truck to move garbage cans & get mail but too late for that now…I have a CCW but from the story if he punched the guy & started running away it looks like the shooter was in the wrong this time…Doesnt look like his life was in danger so no lethal force was nesessary…
That and he ran up and punched the old man after he shot at him. That’s flat out ballsy. Also made the guy use all of his ammo before he turned the gun on his girlfriend.
wouldn’t it be ironic if the shooter got run over by a truck! KARMA! BELIEVE!
Think I’ll leave my Car at the Airport if I ever decide to visit the US…
Don’t come here we are full.. stay away
I feel like this story has some holes. He just jumped out, ran up and punched the guy for blocking his truck? If I punched someone every time they got in my way, my hands would have disintegrated by now…
PS: I’m 24 and I’ve been driving for two years.
if you read the whole story you’d read that the driver was shot before hitting the shooter
As with most these sort of articles they come with just a smidgen of the story so I wouldn’t be too quick to make any judgments..
Absolute stupidity over subjective reality. The old bastard uses a vehicle then a firearm???? His reality and common sense are ducked. Stop him from assaulting anyone. Next time it may be over someone taking to long to order a coffee. Buddy should be taken out of public function.
If I was 74 years old and a 25 year old came up and punch me I would have shot him as well
Try reading the article…the guy punched him AFTER getting shot.
How do you get chest wounds while running away? What could justify punching a 70 year old in the face? Trucks can be offensive in residential neighborhoods and parking is not a right. Please be careful and please use common sense and please be considerate.
1) The 70 year old put two bullets in the victim before there was any punching, that’s plenty of justification.
2) The victim received the chest wounds before he ran away
Please read the article before commenting on it.
Samuel…how DARE you actually read the article before commenting? Whats wrong with you… 😉
Well that does it. I’ve been a driver for 9 years and I’m getting into a new industry. But I’ll be buying an old truck just to license it as an RV and drive and park it everywhere I want just to piss off these whiny handwringing little self important douche bags. And I’m more than happy to shoot back, so it should be quite fun.
I think about it all the time. A good tractor just to use it as personal vehicle.
Good thing this wasn’t in Florida.
I found a local news story about the shooting w/ pictures of the shooter and the semi truck in question. Apparently the driver had been parking his ‘large’ semi-tractor w/ sleeper in the yard & in the driveway of his mothers home. The news picture of the elderly man’s pick-up truck & the semi-tractor show the street was pretty much blocked to all traffic by the semi tractor when ever it was in the street.
All though a shooting was certainly not warranted, I can see the old man’s frustration. Every town / city I’ve ever lived in has had restrictions against parking semi tractors and / or trailers in a residential neighborhood. Most cities don’t even allow cars to be parked on the grass, much less a semi. And while the story doesn’t say, the semi driver may have been sleeping in the rig. If so he probably was letting the motor run for heat / air and to power the accessories.
The elderly man just let his anger get the best of him, instead of calling the law and signing a complaint.
http://www.wfxg.com/story/25430713/man-74-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-tuscaloosa
If the story is accurate as reported, I would say that this Wells character is a hothead who has no business being in the same zip code as a firearm. I tell my fellow CHL holders all the time that we have to be the positive example for others. Especially nowadays, seeing how the media is very anti-gun and always looking for an opportunity to portray gun owners in a negative light. Unfortunately, too many of the non-gun owning people get their information about guns from the hysterical types on MSNBC and CNN. They just swallow the propaganda and BS hook, line, and sinker. As advocates of the 2nd Amendment, we need to use considerable restraint when dealing with situations so as not to play into the hands of those who would twist the situation to advance their agenda.
That said, IF the story REALLY played out as it was reported, I think a conviction for AT LEAST 2 counts of attempted manslaughter as well as at least 2 counts of felony endangerment of public safety (or however they word that) is in order. It’s a shame that I don’t live in Alabama. I would LOVE to be called to jury duty for this one. Few things aggravate me more than some hothead who just throws a bunch of lead around, making gun owners look even worse.
As a CCW/CCP hold and an NRA instructor I have many questions about this and don’t feel the entire story is printed. I also have issue with someone trying to solve a problem with a firearm as whats printed doesnt seem to be eminent danger of death or seriously bodily harm.
I do feel the minimum training requirements of obtaining a CCP in many states are to easy. in one state they dont even need to hit the targent, just show that they can handle the firearm safely (and no hitting the target doesnt apply in this states definition). My classes although meet the requirements of the state I am in, but far far exceed them. I require my students to shoot a minimum score, sit through several hours of lectures that include officers and lawyers who better explane the law. The lawyer is the local state police lawyer who specializes in defending the officers involved in a shooting. He always says I will gladly represent you but be sure the $20,000 initial check is already written before you call.
This is a very sad story and I hope the driver recovers fully and that this shooter is dealt with appropriately.
i guess we’re lucky his aim wasn’t so good this go round huh?
After reading the linked article (thanks Steve Bell) I’m thinking there is more to the story or holes in the story we aren’t privy to.
1. Driver and girlfriend stops by mom’s house to check the mail and take the trash out. Leaving the tractor in the street. (According to linked article above.)
2. Neighbor doesn’t like it.
3. Instead of waiting 3 minutes for driver and his GF to do what they need to do he decides to confront said driver using his own vehicle to block the truck.
4. Walking up to the truck starts shooting
5. Driver punches neighbor and runs for cover
6. GF jumps on neighbor
7. Other neighbors pile on until the police arrive
Here are my questions:
1. What was the history behind the driver and the neighbor? Was this an ongoing feud or a first time thing?
2. What was the history of the neighbor? Is he a known hot head?
Finally kudos to the girlfriend for jumping the guy! Definitely courage under-fire when un-armed facing a hostile with a firearm.
http://www.wfxg.com/story/25430713/man-74-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-tuscaloosa
http://www.alabamas13.com/story/25429837/74-year-old-man-charged-with-attempted-murder-in-tuscaloosa
The aforementioned news articles.
It does sound like there was a little history between the two. Still in absolutely no way justify shooting some one. I’m guessing the tractor was the drivers only way to get around?
don’t really understand why folks are understanding this to be a trucker thing. nothing in the articles would suggest he was shot for his occupation. maybe we could deduce a crazy old man was mad at the noise. maybe.
I am a firm believer in Concealed Carry and the right to self defense. However, here’s what I see wrong with this situation:
1. Wells parked his vehicle behind the truck and exited his vehicle with his weapon drawn. Why did he do this? His life wasn’t in imminent danger at that point.
2. Wells continued to shoot at Flanagan even after he fled from him. When the person you are shooting at flees, the confrontation is over. In Texas, shooting at a fleeing person is a definite no-no. The cops don’t even get away with it.
I am getting pretty darn tired of these self-styled neighborhood watch “captains” taking the law into their own hands and making those of us who carry concealed look like a bunch of trigger-happy goons. Characters like this Wells moron are the exception, not the rule. Unfortunately, they are the ones who get the press. You never hear about the CHL holder who thwarts a robbery just by merely displaying his weapon, you only hear about the loony tunes who jump out of their car and open fire on people who are running away from them. I hope they throw the book at this dunce.
Danny Iam 80 and just past my Dot for 2more years and Iam still OTR doing 48 states
I can out work & drive a lot of 40 & 50 year old drivers. so don’t shot age down till lucky
to get and still have your health.
well…just to shoot someone because they dont like trucks….maybe if you dont like there house destroy it….c”mon people over a parking spot…that nut needed to be kept in jail until trial…these watch want to be cops are getting out of hand..he needs help…mentally