Posted on 09/08/2011 8:32:12 PM PDT by Pining_4_TX
It was an ordinary night, August 26, at the Exxon Tiger Mart at South Polk Street and Interstate 20 in Dallas.
C.J. Thomas, the store's clerk, was behind the counter when a rush of customers came through the door at 10:12 p.m.
"There was more coming in than going out," Thomas said. "Once they realized how many were in there, one of the students started throwing stuff and screamed out. Everything after that went crazy."
Store surveillance cameras from different angles show bottles being thrown.
Seconds later, Thomas ran to the front door. He tried to close it, but he couldn't hold back the crowd.
Some of them grabbed drinks, chips, and other items and began pushing their way out. Thomas said he tried to stop some people from stealing.
"In the process of them walking out, tried to stop a student with a lot of things in his hands and when I tried to do that, he shoved me out into the parking lot and swung at me," Thomas said.
(Excerpt) Read more at wfaa.com ...
Like I said, it all depends on the situation. I’m not going to play these games with you. If you’re the type to automatically pull a weapon on others in every situation then I feel sorry for you. If I had done that in numerous encounters I have had, I would probably be dead like some of my hot-headed friends. You know, there is such a thing as retreat - it could save lives as well as your own.
I gave you a situation... you're an armed private citizen being menaced by a flash mob. You can either go for your gun or not. Why can't you answer that simple question?
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You know, there is such a thing as retreat - it could save lives as well as your own.
I'm sure if you ask nicely, the mob will stop menacing you and let you go on your way.
Now, stop being silly and answer the question put to you.
I’m not being silly, but you are being downright rude. I said I’m not going to play this game scenario, as every real-life situation is different. I worked with SFPD as a civilian for a couple decades, and I’m glad most of those LEOs take a reasoned approach to violent situations. Some rookies might take your approach, which is shoot first and think later. Which is why people get angry when their dogs and friends are mindlessly killed by idiots who don’t use their brains.
Cops Fear Violence Against Flash Mobs
08/23/2011
UPPER DARBY, Pa. - As police in Upper Darby, Pa., search for more young people involved in last week's flash mob, more adults are thinking about arming themselves with guns.
People are talking about how afraid they are of being caught in the path one of these flash mobs while they're out minding their own business, and they want to be ready.
Law enforcement officials say it's a nightmare in the making because ordinary, private citizens are getting gun permits.
"We have people now that are fearful and carrying guns because of children. How sad is that?" Upper Darby police Captain George Rhoades said.
He said it's all legal. "It's all self-defense," Rhoades said.
He says about 10 to 20 applications are processed every week in Upper Darby.
Rhoades says with that many people "carrying" and the violent actions of these flash mobs, the worst is bound to happen.
"Now we have this mentality, 'I'm not going to retreat. I'm not going to call 9-1-1. I'm going to be a vigilante and take care of the problem myself,'" he said.
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