Retired 74 year old colonel helped capture gunman

Retired colonel helped capture gunman
By Brennan Smith - The Arizona Republic
Posted : Tuesday Jan 11, 2011 7:02:47 EST
TUCSON, Ariz. — A 74-year-old retired Army colonel, wounded and disoriented in Saturday’s shooting, helped three others disarm and subdue the gunman.

Bill Badger, interviewed Monday night at University Medical Center, credits his military training for his ability to respond quickly.

When he first heard shots ring out near the grocery store, Badger said he thought he was hearing the pop of firecrackers meant to harass the congresswoman, whom he had hoped to meet.

He saw no gun but could see the shooter’s hand extended as he began firing on the crowd.

“By the time I looked over there and saw him, he’d already shot the congresswoman, the 9-year-old girl and the judge,” Badger said.

Badger said the gunman then took aim at people waiting to see Giffords who were sitting in a line of 12 chairs.

Badger said he dropped to the ground to avoid the fire but felt something graze the back of his head.

“I dropped down all the way to the ground, and I lowered my head about 6 inches. I felt this burning, stinging sensation right in the back of my head,” he said.
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Retired colonel helped capture gunman