80-year-old John Wayne fan puts attacker in hospital

[TexasAg]

80-year-old John Wayne fan puts attacker in hospital
80-year-old John Wayne fan puts attacker in hospital | Latest News | WFAA.com

11:51 AM CST on Thursday, February 14, 2008

By CHRIS HAWES / WFAA-TV

WFAA-TV

Investigators say they were definitely going to rob him - possibly even kill him.

But an 80-year-old North Texan wasn't about to let that happen, so he took action.

One of the suspects is in the hospital and both are facing charges.

Two men obviously thought James Pickett, 80, was an easy target when they showed up at his home on Saturday with a knife.

"He just came through that door, stabbing and beating," said Pickett.

Captain Clint Pullin said it looked as though the men wanted to kill him.

But before you worry too much about Pickett, learn a bit more about him.

He's a WWII veteran, former firefighter and lifelong John Wayne devotee.

In short, even at 80, he is someone you just don't mess with.

What the men didn't know is Picket had taken a pistol and put it in his pocket before opening the door.

"He jumped and turned and I shot him," Picket said.

The two brothers, Paul and Holden Perry, ran but didn't get far before calling an ambulance.

A bullet just missed Paul Perry's spine.

"The only problem was I run out of bullets," Picket said.

A neighbor describes Picket as a "hero."

Worried about retribution, friends are sticking close.

Both brothers face assault, burglary and robbery charges.

Deputies assure James Pickett they aren't likely to get out of jail anytime soon but he isn't worried.

"I think I'm a ten times better shot than and he is... But they best not come back," he said.

E-mail chawes@wfaa.com.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[P95Carry]

Bravo - Mr Picket - good result.

Just shows even at 80 - the old ''equalizer'' is still gonna cut the mustard.

[stanislaskasava]

Thanks for making my day, Mr. Pickett.

[ccw9mm]

The citizen still standing and the perpetrators behind bars. That's the result we all hope for.

[Natureboypkr]

lol

[phaed]

"The only problem was I run out of bullets," Picket said.

gotta love old folks

[SatCong]

You got to love it, don't jack with the old man.

[jackdog]

Kudos to Mr. Picket.
Lesson do not fight with old guys, we will just shoot ya.

[Rotorflyr]

Well done Mr. Picket!

Just goes to show the gremlins that not all the "easy targets" are in fact "easy"

[airslot]

Youth and enthusiasm are no match for OLD AGE and treachery.
YUP. Old guy brings his gun to a knife fight. Did these MORONS forget they're in TEXAS?

[afeazell21]

Most old guys like that are tougher than people give them credit for.

[Dakotaranger]

Fact of life number 15: if a man older than 55 has a military style haircut he WILL survive any attack.

[SubNine]

Brings a whole new meaning to "Respect your elders."

[speedlace]

"What the men didn't know is Picket had taken a pistol and put it in his pocket before opening the door."
House carry FTW!

[Mercalf]

Few lessons learned here?

1. Never mess with John Wayne "devotees."
2. Never bring a knife to a gun fight.
3. Don't mess with the vets.
4. James Pickett is bad ass....