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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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22

Man Shot Anti-Abortion Protester Over 'Grudge'

Gunman also killed a gravel company owner, had a third target

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(Newser) – James Harlan Drake, the 33-year-old trucker who shot noted anti-abortion activist James Pouillon in front of a high school yesterday, also shot a local gravel company owner, and intended to kill a third man before police arrested him. He had “a list in his head,” a police chief said. “The defendant had ill will toward these three individuals—not for the same reason, necessarily, but had a grudge.”

In Pouillon’s case, Drake apparently objected to the protester’s graphic signs, which depicted mutilated fetuses. Curiously, “it didn’t appear to be a case where Pouillon was pro-life and Drake was pro-choice,” said one detective. When police arrested Drake, he also admitted to killing gravel company owner Mike Fuoss, whose body had been found less than 15 minutes earlier. He also intended to kill a local realtor.

A Michigan State Police officer exits the Fuoss Gravel Company offices Friday, in Owosso, Mich.
A Michigan State Police officer exits the Fuoss Gravel Company offices Friday, in Owosso, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Owosso Police Department Ptl. Eric Chery carries a sign which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.
Owosso Police Department Ptl. Eric Chery carries a sign which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Owosso Police Department Det. Sgt. Thomas Holcomb holds a sign, showing bullet trajectory posts, which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.
Owosso Police Department Det. Sgt. Thomas Holcomb holds a sign, showing bullet trajectory posts, which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
In an August 2002 photo, anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon, left, has a heated discussion with a Planned Parenthood employee in Owosso, Mich.
In an August 2002 photo, anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon, left, has a heated discussion with a Planned Parenthood employee in Owosso, Mich.   (AP Photo/The Argus-Press)
Owosso Police Department Ptl. Eric Chery investigates a sign as evidence which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.
Owosso Police Department Ptl. Eric Chery investigates a sign as evidence which belonged to anti-abortion activist Jim Pouillon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 in Owosso, Mich.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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22 comments
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Reader64481089
Sep 12, 09 8:31 AM CDT
As I thought, it wasn't about the man and his views on abortion, it was about a madman cleaning house in his own demented way. A damn shame others must suffer due to this mans insanity, there is no excuse nor reason to attempt to justify murder Reply
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+8
youngblood
Sep 12, 09 8:57 AM CDT
Dame another madman on the loose, who appears to be normal!. Makes you wonder how many crazies on out there just waiting to explode! Bet the local realtor is throwing a party this weekend! Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
BoZo
Sep 12, 09 2:08 PM CDT
The local realtor is moving out of town.
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+1
Fondue
Sep 12, 09 9:11 AM CDT
I wonder if some gun regulation would have saved these people's lives? Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Reader44614809
Sep 12, 09 11:35 AM CDT
Of course not. There are lots of ways to kill someone without a gun. If they want you dead, your only hope is to be armed and defend yourself at the critical moment.
Vote up! Vote down!
+3

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