A Good Samaritan armed with a 9mm handgun intervened during an attempted carjacking in Tazewell County, VA, after a suspect tried to assault a woman and her child. The bystander shot the suspect, ending the attack and saving lives.

TAZEWELL COUNTY, VA (4-minute read) — A carjacking attempt took a dramatic turn on Friday when a Good Samaritan armed with a 9mm handgun stopped a wanted man from assaulting a woman and her child. The incident occurred at Lee’s Kar-Go, where the suspect, 30-year-old Cody Dailey, attempted to forcefully take control of a truck by assaulting the female driver. In a terrifying moment, Dailey threatened the woman’s child, saying, “I’m going to rape your mommy.”

The woman’s screams caught the attention of nearby citizens, one of whom courageously stepped in with his firearm to confront the attacker. Despite the Good Samaritan’s commands to stop, Dailey aggressively charged at the armed citizen, shoving him to the ground. Dailey continued to advance toward the man, prompting the citizen to fire a single shot, hitting the suspect in the chest.

Law enforcement officers were already in the vicinity, responding to a separate incident on Mudfork Road, and quickly arrived on the scene after hearing the gunshot around 1:15 p.m. Dailey was airlifted to Roanoke for medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

Investigations revealed that Dailey was wanted by the Tazewell County Circuit Court on two outstanding warrants. In light of the attempted carjacking and assault, Roanoke authorities are coordinating with detectives to bring additional charges against Dailey, including abduction, carjacking, and assault and battery.

Sheriff Brian Hieatt expressed gratitude for the courageous actions of the Good Samaritans involved, stating, “Thank goodness for the good Samaritans that came to the victim’s aid during her time of need. We are grateful for their desire to intercede on her behalf. Had they not acted, this could have been a very different outcome.”

This incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and the potential lifesaving role that firearms can play when used for self-defense. The Good Samaritan’s quick thinking and bravery likely prevented a far more tragic event from unfolding. It also underscores the critical need for citizens to remain situationally aware and to take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others in moments of crisis.

While this situation was resolved without loss of life, it serves as a reminder that self-defense requires not only courage but a deep respect for the power of firearms. Responsible gun owners must ensure that they are well-trained, know the laws of their state, and understand the consequences of using a firearm in such situations.

In addition, it’s vital to emphasize that while bystanders may have good intentions, not every situation calls for the use of a firearm. Non-violent methods of intervention should be considered first, and the decision to draw and use a firearm should always be a last resort.

Safety Tip: Situational awareness is crucial in dangerous situations. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in public places, and have a plan for how you will react if you encounter a threat. If you carry a firearm, ensure you are trained in its use and understand the legal implications of using it in self-defense.