Escambia Woman Retrieves Handgun from Purse, Shoots One of Two Robbery Suspects Posing as Cleaning Helpers

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL — On September 8, 2024, deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a robbery and shots-fired incident in the 400 block of Forest Street. The incident occurred while a homeowner was cleaning a rental property with the help of two male acquaintances.

According to the investigation, one of the men, later identified as Ja’tarius Johnson, produced a handgun and attempted to rob the homeowner by taking her purse. During a struggle for the purse, the homeowner managed to retrieve her own handgun and fired a single shot. The suspects then fled the scene.

Shortly after the incident, deputies were alerted that Ja’tarius Johnson had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot. He was arrested and charged with robbery with a firearm, grand theft, and grand theft of a firearm.

The second suspect, identified as Aviaun Smith (DOB: 5/4/02), is still at large and has an active warrant for his arrest on charges of robbery with a firearm, grand theft, and grand theft of a firearm. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

This incident highlights the importance of being prepared to defend oneself in life-threatening situations. While the homeowner’s quick response and ability to retrieve her firearm from her purse may have saved her life, purse carry isn’t always the most effective option. Accessing a firearm from a bag can be slower and more difficult under stress, and there’s also the risk of the purse being taken—along with the firearm—during a robbery.

In this case, the homeowner was able to regain control and access her gun, but purse carry poses unique risks. Women often face limited on-body carry options due to body types and clothing styles, as not all outfits accommodate traditional holsters. For this reason, I recommend the PHLSTER Enigma, which allows for secure, comfortable on-body carry without needing a belt. It works well for many women, providing quicker access to a firearm and reducing the risk of it being taken in the event of a robbery. This is my preferred method of carrying about 90% of the time, as it offers both security and versatility across different clothing choices.