diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
index d6036114df9..3adbb6206d9 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/carbon_defense.dm
@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@
 						visible_message("<span class='warning'>[src] fails to catch [I]!</span>")
 
 				else if(istype(AM, /obj/item))
+					var/obj/item/I = AM
 					if(!get_active_hand()) //Makes sure active hand is empty
-						var/obj/item/I = AM
 						if(isturf(I.loc))
 							put_in_active_hand(I)
 							visible_message("<span class='warning'>[src] catches [I]!</span>")