Tulsa Man Fatally Shoots Attacker Wielding Baseball Bat
Charles Berry was working on his cars in his driveway when 36-year-old Dane Swets, a familiar figure in the neighborhood according to the victim, approached him wielding a baseball bat. Berry, who had previously shown kindness to Swets, was taken aback when Swets declared, “I’m going to teach you a lesson,” and struck Berry in the face, breaking the bat in two.
Fearing for his life as Swets prepared to strike again, Berry retrieved his firearm and shot Swets once. After the shooting, Berry attempted to assist Swets by providing a blanket and an ice pack. He then called out for someone to contact 911 and informed his wife about the incident, expressing uncertainty about the consequences of his actions.
Image courtesy of NewsOn6.com
I actually find it quite interesting that the victim in this case, who by all accounts acted absolutely within the boundaries of legal self-defense told his wife he probably wouldn’t be home tonight… or ever. This kind of fear of legal consequences didn’t keep him from saving his own life but it could drive some from taking the steps needed to be prepared to save lives.
Tulsa Police responded to the scene near East Admiral Place and South 193rd East Avenue around 2:45 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Swets lying in the street with a gunshot wound; he later succumbed to his injuries. After reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with Berry, authorities released him without arrest. The case will be submitted to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for review to determine if charges are warranted.
Berry expressed deep remorse over the incident, stating, “I should be embarrassed—what happened; you’re not supposed to kill, but you got to do certain things in life. Anybody who thinks I enjoy it, they’re dead wrong.”
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