The Stupid, It Burns!

I saw this yesterday on Facebook, posted by an employee of the shop that I'm friends with. Glad to know it has a happy ending...

Gun Thief Caught On Camera In Easton Shop Arrested

EASTON (CBS) – A thief caught on video stealing a gun from a store in Easton has been arrested, police said Friday. Twenty-two-year-old Samuel Matteson of North Easton was captured Thursday night after police received a tip from someone who recognized him.

Investigators released surveillance video and photos to the media after a young man walked out of Zero Hour Arms gun shop with a 9 millimeter handgun Tuesday.

Now, here's the thing. It's a Federal felony to steal a firearm. Not only is this moron facing multiple state charges - larceny, possession of a firearm without a permit, unsecured storage (ha), but he's looking at Federal charges for defacing the serial number and the theft of the firearm. He's looking at a long stretch in the pen, and because he committed Fed crimes, it is possible he could spend 10 years in Leavenworth for this little stunt.

Now, I'm trying to figure out how he managed to grow into adulthood being this monumentally stupid. I mean, stealing a firearm from a gun shop? With surveillance cameras? It's amazing he's made it to 22 years of age without drinking from a bottle with a skull and crossbones on it, or doing something equally terminal like huffing Scotchguard (yes, they do it, and yes, it kills you - if it stops liquids from seeping into your couch, it'll prevent air from getting into your lungs...).

Now, here's where I go out on a limb. I'm going to blame the state of Massachusetts for this young man's stupidity. Obviously he bears the responsibility for his actions; I'm not excusing that in any way, shape, or form. But I'll wager he's been in trouble with the law in the past - or knows people that have - and he's seen the repeated slap-on-the-wrist given for minor and even intermediate crimes. He probably figured he'd get six months probation if he were caught - and, given MA, this might happen. Even the Federal charges are suspect - remember, Robyn Anderson was never charged for the three straw purchases she made in the Columbine shootings.

The store's out a firearm, but there's one less jackass on the streets - that's a fair trade IMHO.

That is all.