"EPA: Enforcement Officials Up in Arms Over Anti-Gun Push"

"A few years back, U.S. EPA enforcement agents tracked a Utah environmental fugitive to a trailer parked at a marina in the Florida Keys. Larkin Baggett, one of EPA's 'most wanted' criminals at the time, appeared in the trailer doorway sweeping an assault rifle toward the approaching EPA agents and local cops, saying things like, 'I won't go,' according to court documents. The officers opened fire, wounding Baggett and taking him into custody.

Cases such as the 2009 Baggett skirmish demonstrate why it's important for EPA agents to be armed, argue supporters of the agency's criminal program. They can face off against armed criminals, people using dangerous chemicals and fugitives anxious to avoid jail time."

Robin Bravender reports for Greenwire January 29, 2015.