Yeah, I’ve Had Purses That Big Before
That’s her story and she’s sticking to it.
Two friends out shopping stop by Starbucks for some energy. Pamela Beck was standing at the counter, getting ready to pay for her latte and ….
As Beck went to put down her purse, it dropped, and the .25-caliber semi-automatic Titan handgun she had in there went off, said St. Petersburg police spokesman Mike Puetz. The bullet hit her friend, 38-year-old Amie Peterson, who was standing behind Beck in line.
And Beck’s story? “Beck told police her father had given her the weapon, but she forgot which purse she had left it in before going shopping.”
She says she did not know she was carrying a gun.
I can buy that. I’ve had purses that big before. I’ve had moments of forgetfulness before, “Now where’d I put that gun and that elephant?” I’ve even had friends I didn’t like all that much, but glory hallelujah when they all come together in one shining loud and bloody moment of Starbuck’s history, that’s an accomplishment.
And no, she did not have a concealed weapons permit.
I’m just relieved it happened in Florida, not Texas.
Thanks to Carl for the heads up.
So…forget foreign terrorists, the American “good” guys are killing off the American good guys. This country is full of idiots. If you have to take a test to get a driver’s license, you should be required to take a test to get a gun. I think that whatever is required to drive and own a car, the same standards should be applied to guns; including insurance, registration, yearly fees, and transferring ownership.
1“And THAT is why I don’t buy coffee in Starbucks anymore!” said everyone else standing in line.
I’m asking my son to make his own dam* coffee from now on so his little girls won’t grow up without a daddy. Soon news will report Starbucks plans to install metal detectors in their doors next month. They will be first… others will follow… or risk losing their business.
2glf, I agree completely. What do we have to do to get Big Insurance to see what a moneymaker this could be so they’ll lobby for it?
3I own a gun that looks just like this, a 25 cal Beretta. It’s about the size of your hand but weighs about as much as a couple rolls of quarters. But, no I don’t carry it around in my purse.
4Another thing, if she didn’t know she had a gun in her purse what’s the point of having it? She obviously didn’t know to secure it, she probably didn’t know how to use it. Someone steals her purse, gets a free gun.
5I’ve been known to carry enough stuff in my handbags that could win us all prizes on Let’s Make A Deal. But, if your handbag is big enough to hold a gun that you can easily miss, please use a smaller purse.
Thank you,
6Another Starbucks Customer
I lived in Florida for 3 very, very long years. If you have never read Carl Hiaasen, please do. His books are fiction, but he gets his ideas (he said) from real live events in that crazy state. Texans are insane, Floridians are just plain nuts!
7All of this means she wouldn’t have been able to find it in the event she really needed it. Kinda takes away the reason for having it. This is typical of several gun owners I know.
8Sandino, Carl Hiaasen’s books and columns are a true delight in my life. I laugh out loud. He and David Sedaris are my favorite funny reading. Sedaris’ new book is out and Hiaasen’s comes out June 11th. My Nook will be busy for a while. (Note to people: you have to hide your Hiaasen’s books from Momma. She does NOT approve of his language.)
9What I want to know is how these guns all keep just going off? Every other article, it seems like these thing go off as often as my old friend “Fryer” Tuck cuts one loose, with about the same decibel level and threat to life. At least “Fryer” give a warning – he squirms a bit before hand, then you get the lean in his chair and you know to head for a window. He sets car alarms off, I swear.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if HE set this baby Beretta off from two- three doors away. Starbucks is exactly the kind of place he doesn’t go.
10Please tell me…. this woman is not a teacher.
I lose my cell in my hand bag. I don’t think I would lose a gun… If I did……. why would I have one???
11Does anyone remember when Ann Richards was being persuaded (not) that women ought to carry guns she replied something like this—” Gentlemen I don’t know a woman in Texas who could find a gun in her purse!” Smart woman, that Annie.
12I don’t have a purse. I have luggage. My husband informed me of that fact some time ago. Yes, I carry a bag so big it looks like I am leaving town. But, **ll, it all started when the kids were babies. Does that sound familiar? By the time I went back to work I was carrying stuff like a pound can of coffee, extra packages of hosiery, first aid stuff, emergency protein bars, pony size bottles of water . . . my cell, my phone book, my make up kit . . . so there wasn’t any room for any damn gun! Not that long ago I had to give up my Starbucks habit as I am now a widow backed up to the financial wall. I don’t miss the latte and by God and turnips, I sure am glad I missed the opportunity to get shot!
13Carl Hiaasen has kept Floridians sane, and laughing at themselves for years! He is as vital to Florida as tourists, sunblock and the Everglades!!
14For those of you who want to see the ‘darker side’ of Florida, I highly recommend Randy Wayne White. He is a former charter boat captain out of Sanibel; his mysteries are top shelf. He utilizes local legends, and stories to creepify them- great goosebump reading!
One way to end a friendship.
15Her name is Beck? Has to be a relation to Glenn.
16It’s all very understandable. I recall when then Dallas Cowbouys coach Barry Switzer came rushing back from an out of town game, mistakenly picked up a suitcase with a pistole of somesort still in it (probably leftover from a Philly or Detroit away game) and the helpful screners at DFW Airport found it for him. Such mislaying of one’s piece is entirely understandable.
And a really good reason the average bear should not be armed.
17Gee, where will we be if the wingnuts keep killing each other off..hmm… dancin’ in the streets!
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