"Police investigate the scene The 71-year-old retired Marine who opened
fire on two robbers at a Plantation sub shop late Wednesday, killing one
and critically wounding the other, is described as a former pilot for
two presidents. John Lovell. ``He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he
works out everyday.'' Lovell was a man of action Wednesday night.
According to Plantation police, two masked gunmen came into the Subway
at 1949 N. Pine Rd. just after 11 p.m. There was a lone diner -- Lovell,
who was finishing his meal. After robbing the cashier, the two men
attempted to shove Lovell into a bathroom and rob him as well. They got
his money. But then Lovell pulled his handgun, opened fire, shooting one
of the thieves in the head and chest and the other in the head.

When pol ice 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. Detective Robert Rettig of
the Plantation Police Department. Both men were taken to 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.

White, a longtime friend of Lovell, was not surprised to hear what
happened. ''He'd give you the shirt off his back and he'd be mad if
someone tried to take the shirt off your back,'' he said. White said
Lovell worked as a pilot for the Marines, flying former Presidents John
F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am
and Delta. Lovell is not married and does not have children. He is not
expected to be charged, authorities said. ''He was in fear for his
life,'' Rettig said. These crim inals 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" even though his life
was definitely at risk. Just waiting. And he better not be charged! More
like rewarded.

The only thing he could be charged with is partaking in an unfair fight. One

71 yr young marine against two punks. Two heads and one center body mass
shot- good shooting!* Even better would have been to double tap them
both. Let's hope the scumbag in critical condition kicks. That'll teach
them to get between a marine and his meal. If not for U.S. Marines, I
would have completely lost hope in America a long time ago.

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