Plantation, FL -- Last week police were called to investigate an
attempted armed robbery:

A 71-year-old retired Marine who opened fire on two robbers at a Subway
shop in Plantation , Florida late Wednesday, killing one and critically
wounding the other, is described as John Lovell, a former helicopter
pilot for two presidents.  He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he
works out everyday.  Mr. Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night.

According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway
at 1949 North Pine Road just after 11 p.m.  There was a lone diner, Mr.
Lovell, who was finishing his meal.  After robbing the cashier, the two
men attempted to shove Mr. Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. 
They got his money, but then Mr. Lovell pulled his handgun and opened
fire.  He shot one of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in
the head.

When police arrived, they found one of the men in the shop, K-9 units
found the other in the bushes of a nearby business.  They also found
cash strewn around the front of the sandwich shop according to Detective
Robert Rettig of the Plantation Police Department.

Both men were taken to the Broward General Medical Center , where one,
Donicio Arrindell, 22, of North Lauderdale died.  The other, 21-year-old
Frederick Gadson of Fort Lauderdale , is in critical but stable condition

A longtime friend of Lovell was not surprised to hear what happened. 
The friend said, ''He'd give you the shirt off his back, but he'd be mad
as hell if someone tried to take the shirt off your back.''

Mr. Lovell was a pilot in the Marine Corps, flying former Presidents
John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.  He later worked as a pilot for
Pan Am and Delta.

He is not expected to be charged authorities said.  ''He was in fear for
his life,'' Detective Rettig said, "These criminals ought to realize
that most men in their 70's have military backgrounds and aren't
intimidated by idiots."

Something tells me this old Marine wasn't 'in fear for his life', even
though his life was definitely at risk.  The only thing he could be
charged with is participating in an unfair fight.  One 71-year young
Marine against two punks.  Two head shots and one center body mass shot
- outstanding shooting!  That'll teach them not to get between a Marine
and his meal.

Don't you just love a story with a happy ending?

Florida law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed weapon.