(Photo credit JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

A mall shopper in San Antonio pulled a gun on a fellow deal seeker who was trying to cut in line on Thanksgiving and police say the man was within his rights. The man who brandished the handgun had a permit and was using the gun in self-defense according to San Antonio police.

The incident happened at a Sears around 9pm on Thanksgiving Day. Police were called and detained Jose Alonzo Salame, 33. Salame told police that he pulled the gun because he was punched in the face by Alejandro Alex, 35.

The gun was never discharged even though reports say there was a round in the chamber, but because Salame was able to show the proper permits he was not charged with anything. A manager from Sears said other shoppers in the packed store ran and hid dropping boxes and tripping over displays. And Mr. Alex ran and hid behind a refrigerator before fleeing the store. Mr. Salame was given a gift voucher from Sears.