Today...Guns Flashed in Convenience Store Parking Lot....What Would Other Freepers Have Done?

self | 11-08-02 | wardaddy

[RogueIsland]

You done good (although I suspect you'll get all manner of flames). Most people would have made a hasty departure and then read about the aftermath in the paper. True, these guys could have been nice decent chaps, but I'm a nice, decent chap and if I had been behaving like these guys, I think I ought to expect a visit from the police.

Sorry, but if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it's probably a duck. This wasn't a case where some guy inadvertently prints his carry piece trying to pick up some paper towels off the top shelf at the supermarket, or somebody stowing his hardware outside of the local indoor range. Context is very important. Profiling has its place, and these guys fit the profile.

[Lion Den Dan]

You survived. No one hurt. You probably did the right thing. Would the same actions be right the nextime? Who knows. For sure, you are not the white knight or the masked avenger. If you had been armed to the teeth, any action other than what you did would have been WRONG under the lawas I understand it.

[Quix]

SOUNDS LIKE YOU WERE VERY:

1) Mature
2) Wise
3) Responsible
4) Quick thinking
5) Appropriately cautious
6) Quick acting
7) Careful
8) Effective.

I don't know what more one would want to expect of one's self in such a situation.

I suppose if you'd noticed their heading out instead of heading in with respect to their manner of parking AND THEN TUNED IN prayerfully about what the vibes were etc. AND THEN left for a different convenience store before getting out of your car--it MIGHT have been better. But that's a bit of a stretch.

I have a hard time imagining how you might have done better. Perhaps other more experienced or skillful or creative folk than I will come up with something but I'm impressed with exactly what you did. More power to you. Congrats. Keep up the good work. I consider you an example to us all.

[Hodar]

Wonderful job. You recognized a potential crime, saw credible evidence that something wasn't right, and reacted. The clerk may not be alive today, if you hadn't shown up and behaved the way you did. America needs more people like you in it. Grade A+

[Budge]

Man, I have no idea what I would have done. Probably had a heart attack, frozen, or been in a body bag shortly.

IMHO you done good!

[weikel]

You did right it wasn't that they were armed it was pretty obvious they were gonig to rob the place. Im happy your safe btw.

[SunnyUsa]

Wow, I think you were very brave and you handled it very well.

That sinking feeling of knowing you had to either jump in your car and try and get away from them, OR go in the store like "normal" must've been incredible!

You did a great job, keeping your cool and getting the 'indian' storekeeper to lock the door.

I don't know if I could've been as brave as you, I truly hope I would whenever I'm tested

...I know I always try to help or get involved whenever I can...

I have stopped many times to help someone as in someone broken down in a car (offer to call someone for them), elderly man collapsing on a rural road next to his mailbox (gave him aid, called 9/11), lost child - I've done that a million times, stay w/them till help/parent arrives, car accidents...etc
( lessons I try to teach my children too as they have been with me a few times when I've helped people out ).

Who knows what their intentions were, (not good I'm sure) but you could've been a victim in an awful armed robbery...

You have an amazing story to tell your new born son!
Your boys have a very brave Daddy! :)

[wardaddy]

Thanks..it scared me....I'll admit that to this forum and the world.

[weikel]

Your a hero actually they might have shot the clerk and some other people.

[TheLion]

A tough call. I think you did very well, under the circumstances. Don't see how it could have been handled any better.

[wardaddy]

I was already out of the car and I didn't want to spook them...my cell phone was in my locked car. I saw the guns as I was slamming my door shut with my arse.

[Dog]

You made the right decision.....glad you are ok.

[wardaddy]

Thanks...

[isthisnickcool]

I would have tossed a bang grenade into their ride then opened up with my MP5 as they piled out the Yukon.

Yea, in my dreams....

You handled it well.

[Billthedrill]

What you saw was "brandishing" in my state - don't know about yours. You should have marched right up to those young men and made a citizen's arrest right there.

OK, OK, I'm kidding! You did exactly the right thing. Even if you were armed there's no point in forcing a confrontation. The situation screams "drugs" and the police are the ones to handle it. Glad you're OK.

[wardaddy]

Thanks...un-nerving. I'm a middle aged family man these days...I don't go looking for trouble anymore.

[AmericaUnited]

Good, but not best. If these thugs had discovered that the door was locked after you went in, they would have figured that you tipped off the store and called the cops. Then they could have gotten your plate number and found out where you live, putting you, your wife and new baby in harms way, for no good reason.

You should have quietly driven off and then called the police.

[Dog]

Congrats on your new son ....btw.

[DugwayDuke]

Let me see. You saw some black guys sitting in a fancy car with weapons. You concluded they were up to no good and called the cops. I think you need sensitivity training. Just kidding, of course.

Seriously, you did right. I think those who said you should have gotten back in your car are wrong. The first thing to remember is that you don't want to precipitate any thing. Second, get distance from the perps. Third, call the cops. You did well. Let's cancel the sensitivity training.

[Slyfox]

While I was reading your description, I thought that I would just get back in my car and drive off. You did the right thing. That clerk is alive today because of your quick thinking, with or without a gun.