Woman Shoots Man Trying to Rob Her With A Knife

by Lina Bryce

A woman was forced to defend herself when a man with a knife approached her and said, “give me everything you have.” Back on January 26, local news in Louisville, KY reported that it was at that moment that the woman pulled out a gun and shot him.

There was no security camera rolling when the attacker eventually attacked her in the parking lot, but there is footage of the two in the elevator and the victim quickly gets off, running toward her vehicle. Police say she got to her car and he pushed in right behind with the knife while putting his hand over her mouth.

In the midst of the struggle that led to a crack in the windshield, the woman was able to reach into her purse, get her gun and shoot the suspect in the neck.

WLKY reported that the surveillance camera did catch the attacker coming down the parking garage stairs, bleeding from the neck where a passerby who saw him followed him into the plaza and eventually called 911. The authorities would arrest John Ganobick, charging him with attempted murder, kidnapping, and criminal mischief.

The woman, who police say had an Indiana Conceal Carry Permit, is being treated for multiple injuries but is said to be okay.

Many people who work and live in the downtown Louisville area are relieved and grateful that the victim had a gun, especially women.

“I think it happened at 6:15, 6:30, which is the time lots of people leave, so it was scary to think that could have been lots of people I know,” said Emily Mattingly, who works in the area and happens to park in the same garage where the incident happened.

“I thought it was really empowering for women, in that she could do that, and that she had the confidence to do that,” said Mattingly.

Amanda Kahl said Tuesday night’s incident is a good reminder to always be aware of your surroundings.

“I carry pepper spray in my purse, it’s always where I can reach it,” said Kahl, who also works in the downtown area. Local residents who were interviewed by the news station believe that women need the ability to defend themselves.

“You have to protect yourself, being vulnerable, being a woman, you have to really protect yourself, I felt like it was justified,” said Pam Stiger.