‘By the time you hear a shotgun cock, you pretty much know what time it is’

By Michael Puente
‘By the time you hear a shotgun cock, you pretty much know what time it is’
Gary homeowner Lisa, who asked that we not use her name, says she owns a gun for protection. An incident with a prowler at her home last April made her feel vulnerable, especially since she says Gary police failed to show up to her home after she called 911. WBEZ/Michael Puente
‘By the time you hear a shotgun cock, you pretty much know what time it is’
Gary homeowner Lisa, who asked that we not use her name, says she owns a gun for protection. An incident with a prowler at her home last April made her feel vulnerable, especially since she says Gary police failed to show up to her home after she called 911. WBEZ/Michael Puente

‘By the time you hear a shotgun cock, you pretty much know what time it is’

By Michael Puente
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The reasons people own guns can vary as much as the opinions over what to do about gun violence.

In WBEZ’s ongoing series “Our Guns,” we’ve been hearing from local gun owners to learn more about their affinity for firearms.

So far, we’ve heard from hunters and American soldiers. Skeet shooters and firearm safety instructors.

Today, we hear from two women from the high crime city of Gary, Indiana. They don’t know each other but they both own guns for one simple reason: Protection.

Lisa requested that we not use her last name, but she is a 30-year-old nurse who lives alone with her two children ages 8 months and 8 years old.

Leticia Baker is a 34-year-old social worker with a bubbly personality.

Gary is a city that experienced more than 200 home burglaries in December.

Some of those have turned deadly for the homeowner.

These two women say they don’t want to become the next victim.