Local gun store owners more aware after shooting

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The clerk involved in a shooting at a well-known gun shop on the city's west side is recovering in the hospital Monday night.

Family members of clerk Ben Chance said he went into the hospital Monday afternoon in critical condition, but was improving as the afternoon went on. He’s worked at Don’s Guns for more than 15 years.

What happened to him and his reaction, is no surprise to fellow workers at gun stores across Indianapolis.

“Anytime something like this happens in a gun shop community, phone calls go out before the news,” Mike Hilton, of Pop Guns.

Mike Hilton of Pop Guns and Family Indoor Shooting Range says his employees are highly trained in firearms tactics and use, and are even more watchful Monday. A number of years ago, Hilton had guns pulled on him in his store as well.

“Short term it increases our awareness; I already sat down with my wife's store manager… and we discussed our plans for different scenarios," added Hilton.

Don Davis, the owner of Don's Guns, says his clerk, Ben Chance, was shot twice by a customer, 26-year old Brian Wayner.

He says Chance had just given Wayner his bill for using the shooting range inside.

Davissays Chance then fired back.. killing Wayner.

“He did exactly what any of us will do, we’ll shoot you back,” said Davis.

Pop Guns also has a shooting gallery inside the store; Hilton says guns rented at the store are always in the case.

“When we rent someone a firearm, it goes into a closed case. When they come back out, the case is closed again,” Hilton said.

Loaded guns aren’t allowed in the store part of Don’s Guns.

Police aren't yet commenting on how the situation unfolded inside Don's Guns, but both Don Davis and Mike Hilton say the gun store employee reacted - as they would.

“I have empathy for him; he’s going to remember that for the rest of his life,” said Hilton.