What would you do?

[hvacker]

The lesson here is never shop at Pinch-A-Penny Que'No?! Just kidding. There is another question though. It has to do with a view from the other side, the aggressor. How do they pick their victims?
A good salesman knows how to read people. They depend on it. While most don't think of salespeople as victimizers they do use some of the same skills that bad guys use.Because Crispin is assertive he probably doesn't fit the mold of "EZ Target" Those guys most likely hit up everyone they could. If they were under the influence they wouldn't have been very aware anyway.
In some bad neighborhoods there is a thing as simple as walking too slow or too fast and how you walk can get you in trouble. Experts at body language can tell an amazing number of things everyone does on an unconscious level. The reason carrying a gun won't change much is after awhile a person forgets they are carrying a gun and they take up their old habits of displaying who they really are.
As most body language displays are on a subconscious level it's hard to understand them or be aware of them. A persons body language can be affected even by their occupation.
Short story. I was with a retired cop in Mass and we were going to a store for groceries. Most people walk looking straight ahead and will only turn their head when necessary. A cop will always be looking around. Some habits are hard to loose. The cop I was with still had the habit of looking all over. I'm sure he wasn't conscious of his habit. Just one way to spot a cop. Another person who looks all over can send another message, "I don't belong here". Many people put out other messages like, I'm a target. I have serious doubts a gun will have any lasting affect on the unconscious messages we broadcast every day.
For fun, watch a show like Pawn Stars. Try to read when one or the other is going to fold on the deal. Their body language will often betray them.

 

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[packerbacker]

Gee, I hope my response to this thread isn't being considered a "shot". Now that we now know they were homeless drug addicts I'll still say use of or flashing a gun is not needed. What I would do, as the thread asks, is either not say anything , ignore them and get into my car and leave or I would wait to hear what they wanted to say or ask of me. No snow shovel or knife were being used and you were safe in your car, probably with your doors locked and I'm sure you had a cell phone. The only way they could easily harm you is with a gun.

 

[Red James Cash]

For fun, watch a show like Pawn Stars. Try to read when one or the other is going to fold on the deal. Their body language will often betray them.

Wont work,pawnstars is scripted.

 

[KarenD]

Quote Originally Posted by old digger View Post
Would a taser gun be a better option? Less permanent damage.

Those are good, if some one grabs you, if your state allows them...some states you need a carry permit to even have one of those also

There is always the stun-gun or pepper spray pistols.

 

[Rebel - KGC]

Quote Originally Posted by old digger View Post
Would a taser gun be a better option? Less permanent damage.



There is always the stun-gun or pepper spray pistols.

Pepper Spray for "regular folks"... Stun-Gun is for L.E.; as is TASER.

 

[dieselram94]

At home I have a can of left over bear spray by my bed. I figure if it stops bears it stops criminals, or the wife if she gets too frisky!

Why would you want to stop her? Did you have a headache? LOL!
Just teasing...

 

[KarenD]

Pepper Spray for "regular folks"... Stun-Gun is for L.E.; as is TASER.

Surely you jest.

 

[dieselram94]

Crispin, in my opinion you did the right thing. I have spent some time in central Florida and know what you are talking about with the druggies. It is never cowardly to remove yourself from a dangerous situation such as this example had the strong potential to turn into. Talking anymore with them would have just escalated the situation. If it were me I would not have drawn the gun but I can assure you I would have had my hand on it. A situation like this can go from bad to deadly very quickly. I will be getting conceal carry this spring (when I have time for the class that is required), and I strongly encourage you to do the same.

 

[packerbacker]

Situation didn't call for pepper spray or a stun gun either. Remember, he was in his car with the window up. The "druggie" didn't do anything outside of the car that would have justified their use. Having a concealed weapon would have allowed you the time to at least listen to what he wanted to say to you. Like one of my sons stated when asked about having a conceal permit. He was asked what he was afraid of and my son's response was, "Nothing".

 

[dieselram94]

Situation didn't call for pepper spray or a stun gun either. Remember, he was in his car with the window up. The "druggie" didn't do anything outside of the car that would have justified their use. Having a concealed weapon would have allowed you the time to at least listen to what he wanted to say to you. Like one of my sons stated when asked about having a conceal permit. He was asked what he was afraid of and my son's response was, "Nothing".

Packerbacker, I like the response of being afraid of nothing. But I would not have listened to the druggie either. What would be the point? I think listening could quickly escalate the situation...

 

[packerbacker]

Not listening and saying nothing is one thing; stating that you couldn't help before you hear him say or ask for anything is insinuating he NEEDED something which could cause someone who is probably used to being looked down upon, to go off.

 

[Rebel - KGC]

Surely you jest.

NOPE... "Law" in Virginia; need SPECIAL training for use of STUN GUN... TASER. Training participants ARE stunned/tased to get a feel of it; had training in use of PEPPER SPRAY.

 

[dieselram94]

Not listening and saying nothing is one thing; stating that you couldn't help before you hear him say or ask for anything is insinuating he NEEDED something which could cause someone who is probably used to being looked down upon, to go off.

Packer, Florida is so full of these parasites that the druggie should have been used to being shut down instantly. He wanted money otherwise the other guy wouldn't have stood behind the car. they were trying to bully......

 

[Rebel - KGC]

Gee, I hope my response to this thread isn't being considered a "shot". Now that we now know they were homeless drug addicts I'll still say use of or flashing a gun is not needed. What I would do, as the thread asks, is either not say anything , ignore them and get into my car and leave or I would wait to hear what they wanted to say or ask of me. No snow shovel or knife were being used and you were safe in your car, probably with your doors locked and I'm sure you had a cell phone. The only way they could easily harm you is with a gun.

Cell phone...? YEP! In LOCKED car; hold up to ear as if calling 911; SHOULD scare 'em off. Call 911 ANYWAY to report POSSIBLE threats; Cops need to "clear the area" of bums, scum bags, etc. ALWAYS have a CHARGED UP Cell Phone handy...

 

[dieselram94]

Cell phone...? YEP! In LOCKED car; hold up to ear as if calling 911; SHOULD scare 'em off. Call 911 ANYWAY to report POSSIBLE threats; Cops need to "clear the area" of bums, scum bags, etc. ALWAYS have a CHARGED UP Cell Phone handy...

These bums wouldn't be scared off by calling 911 it would take along time for cops to respond anyways.

 

[XLTer]

NOPE... "Law" in Virginia; need SPECIAL training for use of STUN GUN... TASER. Training participants ARE stunned/tased to get a feel of it; had training in use of PEPPER SPRAY.

OUCH !!!!!! I saw that on TV for Law Enforcement once . Looked really painfull .

 

[KarenD]

Situation didn't call for pepper spray or a stun gun either. Remember, he was in his car with the window up. The "druggie" didn't do anything outside of the car that would have justified their use. Having a concealed weapon would have allowed you the time to at least listen to what he wanted to say to you. Like one of my sons stated when asked about having a conceal permit. He was asked what he was afraid of and my son's response was, "Nothing".

+1, pb.