By GENE JOHNSON, Associated Press – 2 hours ago
Someone inside an artsy Seattle cafe where a gunman opened fire threw stools at the assailant during a shooting rampage police described as "callous, horrific and cold," a move that allowed others to run to safety.
Ian Lee Stawicki was armed with two .45-caliber handguns and began shooting Wednesday morning at Cafe Racer, killing four people. Police said he fled and later killed a female motorist, taking off with her SUV.
Stawicki later killed himself as police closed in.
Police said more people could have been injured or even killed at the cafe were it not for the actions of the man, whom they identified only as "Lawrence." They did not say whether he was a patron or an employee.
"The hero picked up a stool and threw it at the suspect. Hit him. Picked up another stool, as the suspect is shooting and now pointing (a gun) at him and hits him with another stool," Assistant Chief Jim Pugel said.
"During that time, two or possibly three, people made their escape," he said, adding, "He saved three lives."
In an interview with authorities posted on the Police Department's online 'blotter,' the man said the shooting started right after Stawicki was politely told he was not welcome at the cafe.
Lawrence told police he picked up the stool and threw it, legs first, as the shots rang out.
"My brother died in the World Trade Center," he said. "I promised myself" if something like this happened, "I would never hide under a table."
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