Wagoner Community Remains On Edge, Gun Sales Increase

Lacie Lowry, News On 6

WAGONER, Oklahoma -- Wagoner pawn shops have seen a jump in people buying guns, especially women. Shop owners say it started right after the first of three unsolved rapes in August.

8/29/2011 Related Story: Wagoner Police Search For Rapist, Community On Edge

Police haven't made any arrests in the rape cases and they are following up on every lead. Meanwhile, pawn shops are profiting from women wanting more personal security.

Casey Kemper never owned a gun until last week. Now, she's already bought two.

"One is a bigger gun that I can keep in my room or keep in the house and my second one is a smaller gun that I can keep on me," Kemper said.

She bought the guns specifically because of the three sexual assaults in the small town.

"I'm like five foot tall. If someone was to break into the house, there's no way I could defend myself on a full-grown male, there's just no way," she said.

Kemper bought her guns at Roadrunner Gun and Pawn -- which has seen at least a 15 percent spike in gun sales.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Roadrunner owner Gary Chappell, "After the first attack is when we first saw them come in, but after the second rape, then a lot more ladies came in."

Chappell is completely sold out of pepper spray, stun guns and now the pistols are going fast.

"One lady called and wanted to know if I had any pistols that were lady-like. She wanted a pink handle," Chappell said.

Kemper already has a home security system and watch dog, but she says a gun gives her confidence that she can defend herself.

"Not having to worry about leaving the house and coming back to a dark house. That was the best thing, because when you open up that garage door, you never know what's going to be on the other side," Kemper said.

Her neighbor's place was recently broken into, which she says sealed the deal for her to buy a gun.

"It could have been us and who knows it may be next time, but I'll be ready," she said.

Other Wagoner gun shops say they've seen a jump in either women interested in buying guns or actual gun sales.

Kemper will soon take a concealed carry course to learn all about the guns she bought and how to use them safely.